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die Autofahrt
car trip
A trip or journey made by car.
example
Die Autofahrt in den Urlaub war lang, aber die Landschaft war wunderschön.
The car trip on vacation was long, but the scenery was beautiful.
die Autofahrt
car trip
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound structure
'Autofahrt' (car trip) is a simple compound made from 'Auto' (car) and 'Fahrt' (trip / journey). It refers to a trip made by car.
EXAMPLE
Für die kurze Strecke lohnt sich eine Autofahrt nicht.
A car trip is not worth it for the short distance.
Productive pattern
The base word '-fahrt' (trip / journey) can be combined with many different means of transport. If you know the pattern, you will also understand words like 'Zugfahrt' (train journey), 'Busfahrt' (bus ride), 'Fahrradfahrt' (bike ride), or 'Schifffahrt' (ship voyage / shipping).
EXAMPLE
Die Zugfahrt von Hamburg nach München dauert etwa sechs Stunden.
The train journey from Hamburg to Munich takes about six hours.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Autofahrt' (car trip) are 'eine Autofahrt machen' (to take a car trip), 'eine lange Autofahrt vor sich haben' (to have a long car trip ahead), or 'jemanden auf eine Autofahrt mitnehmen' (to take someone along on a car trip).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben eine lange Autofahrt vor uns, also lass uns früh starten.
We have a long car trip ahead of us, so let's start early.
Compare with
Autofahrt vs Reise
journey / trip
'Reise' and 'Autofahrt' both have to do with getting to another place. 'Reise' is more general and does not say exactly what means of transport is used. It can be by car, train, airplane, or bus, and often lasts longer or has a specific purpose, for example vacation or work. 'Autofahrt' says exactly that you are traveling by car. It can be short or long. The words can be confused when a trip is made by car. Then it is both: a 'Reise' and an 'Autofahrt'. If the means of transport is important, 'Autofahrt' is more precise.
Autofahrt
Nach drei Stunden Autofahrt brauchten die Kinder eine Pause.
After three hours in the car, the children needed a break.
Reise
Für die Reise nach Spanien planen wir zwei Wochen ein.
We are planning two weeks for the trip to Spain.
In real life
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