side mirror
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side mirror
A mirror on the outside of a vehicle that allows the driver to see behind and to the side.
Beim Einparken habe ich leider den Außenspiegel des anderen Autos gestreift.
While parking, I unfortunately scraped the side mirror of the other car.
This word is a clear example of a German compound. It is made up of 'außen' (outside) and 'der Spiegel' (the mirror). The '-s-' in between is a linking s, which connects the two words.
Der rechte Außenspiegel ist elektrisch verstellbar.
The right side mirror is electrically adjustable.
Certain verbs are often used in connection with the side mirror. You can 'einstellen' (adjust), 'einklappen' (fold in), 'putzen' (clean), or, in an accident, 'abfahren' (knock off) or 'beschädigen' (damage) it.
Vor der Fahrt solltest du immer deine Außenspiegel richtig einstellen.
Before driving, you should always adjust your side mirrors properly.
When describing that you use the mirror to see something, German uses the preposition 'in' with the accusative. The typical phrase is 'in den Außenspiegel schauen' (to look in the side mirror).
Der Fahrer schaute kurz in den Außenspiegel, bevor er die Spur wechselte.
The driver briefly looked in the side mirror before changing lanes.
rearview mirror
'Rückspiegel' and 'Außenspiegel' are both mirrors on or in a vehicle that let you see behind you. The 'Rückspiegel' is usually the mirror inside the car, at the top of the windshield. It mainly shows the area behind the vehicle. The 'Außenspiegel' is on the outside, on the left or right of the car, and shows traffic behind and beside the vehicle. Learners confuse the words because both are important for looking behind you while driving. If the mirror is inside, you say 'Rückspiegel'. If it is outside on the door, you say 'Außenspiegel'.
Am Montag wurde unser rechter Außenspiegel auf dem Parkplatz beschädigt.
On Monday, our right side mirror was damaged in the parking lot.
Vor dem Abbiegen schaut Mehmet kurz in den Rückspiegel.
Before turning, Mehmet briefly looks in the rearview mirror.