German word

Oldtimer

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈoːltˌtaɪ̯mɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounclassic car

Example

Der Oldtimer steht in der Garage.

The classic car is in the garage.

Illustration for Oldtimer (classic car)

More examples

Am Wochenende sind sie mit dem Oldtimer zur Ausfahrt gefahren.

At the weekend, they went for a drive in the classic car.

Core concept

A carefully maintained older car whose age, rarity, or design gives it classic status.

Common phrases

  • einen Oldtimer besitzen

    own a classic car

  • mit dem Oldtimer fahren

    drive the classic car

  • einen Oldtimer restaurieren

    restore a classic car

Similar words

Klassiker: An older car admired over many years as a recognized classic.
Youngtimer: A relatively recent older car collected or modified by enthusiasts.
Gebrauchtwagen: A car previously owned and sold through the used-car market.

Definition in German

Oldtimer ist ein historisches, gepflegtes Auto, das wegen Baujahr, Seltenheit oder Design als klassisches Fahrzeug gilt.

Word origin

German Oldtimer is borrowed from English old-timer, but German narrowed the term to a historic vehicle, especially a classic car.

Usage tips

  • Oldtimer is masculine, with the plural Oldtimer, and English old-timer usually refers to an old person or thing rather than specifically to a classic car.

Other meanings

  • vintage carnoun

Opposites

  • Neuwagennew carnoun

Related words

  • Oldtimerbesitzerclassic car ownernoun
  • Oldtimertreffenclassic car gatheringnoun
  • Oldtimerpflegeclassic car carenoun

Word lists with this word