German word

Motorrad

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmoːtoːɐ̯ˌʁaːt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounmotorcycle

Example

Er fährt sein Motorrad zur Arbeit.

He rides his motorcycle to work.

Illustration for Motorrad (motorcycle)

More examples

Am Wochenende fahre ich mit dem Motorrad in die Berge.

At the weekend, I ride a motorcycle into the mountains.

Core concept

A seated rider balances on a powered two-wheeler, steering between cars or along open roads.

Common phrases

  • mit dem Motorrad fahren

    ride a motorcycle

  • ein Motorrad kaufen

    buy a motorcycle

  • sein Motorrad warten

    service his motorcycle

Similar words

Auto: A powered four-wheeler for transporting people or cargo.
Fahrrad: A pedal-powered vehicle with two wheels.
Roller: A compact powered two-wheeler with a footboard or steps.
Moped: A light two-wheeled vehicle with a small motor.

Definition in German

Ein motorbetriebenes, zweirädriges Fahrzeug zum Personentransport.

Word origin

The compound Motorrad joins the borrowed technical noun Motor with the German noun Rad, forming a name for a motor-driven wheel vehicle.

Usage tips

  • German commonly uses the bare noun in Motorrad fahren, while English normally requires an article in ride a motorcycle.

Related words

  • der Motorradhelmmotorcycle helmetnoun
  • der Motorradfahrermotorcyclistnoun
  • die Motorradtourmotorcycle tournoun

Word lists with this word