The automotive industry is an essential part of the global economy and learning the specific vocabulary can greatly enhance your understanding and ability to work within this field, especially if you’re dealing with German companies. Here’s a useful collection of German terms related to the automotive industry:
Auto – Car
Das Auto hat eine Panne auf der Autobahn.
The term ‘Auto’ is a short form of ‘Automobil’ and is used to refer to a car in general.
Kraftfahrzeug (Kfz) – Motor vehicle
In Deutschland muss jedes Kraftfahrzeug regelmäßig zur Inspektion.
This is a more technical term for any motorized vehicle, and it’s often used in formal or legal contexts.
Motor – Engine
Der Motor des Autos macht seltsame Geräusche.
The engine is the part of the vehicle that generates the power necessary for movement.
Getriebe – Transmission
Das Getriebe muss ausgetauscht werden.
The transmission in a vehicle is the system that transmits mechanical power from the engine to the drive axle.
Auspuff – Exhaust
Der Auspuff ist rostig und muss repariert werden.
The exhaust of a vehicle is the system that guides the gases from the engine out into the atmosphere.
Reifen – Tire
Wir müssen die Reifen wechseln, da sie abgenutzt sind.
Tires are the rubber components that cover the wheels and provide traction on the road surface.
Bremse – Brake
Die Bremsen quietschen bei jedem Halt.
Brakes are used to slow down or stop the vehicle by creating friction.
Lenkrad – Steering wheel
Er hat das Lenkrad zu scharf gedreht und ist von der Straße abgekommen.
The steering wheel is the part of the vehicle that the driver uses to control the direction of the front wheels.
Scheinwerfer – Headlight
Einer der Scheinwerfer funktioniert nicht mehr.
Headlights are the lights at the front of the vehicle, which are used to illuminate the road ahead during nighttime or bad weather.
Rücklicht – Taillight
Das linke Rücklicht ist kaputt.
Taillights are the lights at the back of the vehicle, used to indicate the vehicle’s presence and actions (like turns and stops) to other drivers.
Karosserie – Body (of a car)
Die Karosserie des Wagens wurde bei dem Unfall beschädigt.
The body of a car refers to the main structure of the vehicle to which all other parts are attached.
Fahrersitz – Driver’s seat
Der Fahrersitz ist verstellbar.
The driver’s seat is where the driver sits and controls the vehicle.
Armaturenbrett – Dashboard
Auf dem Armaturenbrett leuchtet eine Warnlampe.
The dashboard is the panel facing the driver at the front of the vehicle, containing instruments and controls.
Windschutzscheibe – Windshield
Die Windschutzscheibe hat einen Riss.
The windshield is the front window of the vehicle, providing visibility for the driver while protecting them from the elements.
Kühlergrill – Grille
Der Kühlergrill muss nach dem kleinen Zusammenstoß ausgetauscht werden.
The grille of a vehicle is the vented part at the front that covers the radiator.
Stoßdämpfer – Shock absorber
Die Stoßdämpfer sind nach der langen Fahrt über holprige Straßen verschlissen.
Shock absorbers are part of the vehicle’s suspension system that absorbs and dampens shock impulses.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be better equipped to discuss, read, and understand topics related to the automotive industry in German. Whether you’re working in this sector or just have a personal interest, these words will enhance your technical vocabulary and help you navigate conversations with ease.
