German word

Motor

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmoːtoːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounengine

Example

Der Motor startet nicht.

The engine won't start.

Illustration for Motor (engine)

More examples

Ich muss zuerst den Motor anlassen.

I have to start the engine first.

Core concept

A powered unit turns a shaft and makes a vehicle or machine move.

Common phrases

  • den Motor anlassen

    start the engine

  • den Motor abstellen

    turn off the engine

  • ein kräftiger Motor

    a powerful engine

Similar words

Antrieb: The driving force and power-transfer system that moves a vehicle.
Maschine: Equipment designed to perform work or carry out a mechanical operation.
Getriebe: A set of gears that adjusts and passes on rotational motion.

Definition in German

Ein Gerät oder Bauteil, das durch Umwandlung von Energie eine rotierende Bewegung erzeugt.

Word origin

German Motor comes from Latin motor, an agent noun from movere, meaning 'to move', and became a technical term for an engine.

Usage tips

  • Motor is masculine, with the plural Motoren: der Motor, die Motoren.

Other meanings

  • motornoun

Related words

  • Motorölengine oilnoun
  • Motorraumengine compartmentnoun
  • Motorschadenengine failurenoun

Word lists with this word