German word

Krankenwagen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʁaŋkn̩ˌvaːgn̩/

Meaning

  • masculine nounambulance

Example

Ich sehe den Krankenwagen.

I see the ambulance.

Illustration for Krankenwagen (ambulance)

More examples

Bei schweren Verletzungen benötigt man oft einen Krankenwagen.

In cases of serious injuries, an ambulance is often needed.

Core concept

A patient transport vehicle moves someone who needs medical care from one place to a hospital.

Common phrases

  • einen Krankenwagen benötigen

    need an ambulance

  • die Sirene des Krankenwagens

    the ambulance's siren

  • mehrere Krankenwagen

    several ambulances

Similar words

Rettungswagen: Emergency vehicle with trained staff and equipment for on-site treatment and urgent transport.
Rettungsdienst: Emergency medical service handling calls, on-site care, and patient transport.
Notarzt: Emergency doctor who provides specialized treatment and diagnosis at the scene.
Krankentransportwagen: Vehicle for safely transporting stable patients to appointments or between hospitals.

Definition in German

Krankenwagen bezeichnet ein Fahrzeug zur Beförderung von Kranken und Verletzten zum Krankenhaus.

Word origin

Krankenwagen is formed from krank, "sick," and Wagen, "vehicle," with the compound meaning a vehicle for sick people.

Usage tips

  • Rettungswagen usually suggests emergency medical treatment, while Krankenwagen focuses more generally on transporting patients.

Related words

  • Krankenwagenfahrerambulance drivernoun
  • Krankenwagenbesatzungambulance crewnoun

Word lists with this word