German word

Van

Pronunciation

IPA/vɛn/

Meaning

  • masculine nounvan

Example

Mein Van hat neue Reifen bekommen.

My van got new tires.

Illustration for Van (van)

More examples

Vor der Abfahrt müssen wir den Van beladen.

Before departure, we have to load the van.

Core concept

A roomy, box-shaped passenger vehicle with several rows of seats that can also carry light cargo.

Common phrases

  • den Van beladen

    load the van

  • in den Van einsteigen

    get into the van

Similar words

Minivan: A small family vehicle with several seats, designed mainly to carry passengers.
Kombi: A passenger car with a spacious rear area for people and luggage.
Transporter: A large commercial van built to carry goods or many passengers.
Lieferwagen: A small or medium commercial vehicle used for delivering goods.

Definition in German

Ein größerer Pkw-Typ mit kastenartiger Form und meist mehreren Sitzreihen, vorrangig für Personentransport ausgelegt, der aber auch für leichte gewerbliche Transporte verwendet werden kann.

Word origin

German Van is borrowed from English van, a shortening of caravan that became established in the nineteenth century.

Usage tips

  • Van is masculine in German, so the usual forms are ein Van, der Van, and die Vans.

Word lists with this word