A business that sells cars, usually new cars from one or more brands as well as used cars. Often, a repair shop for repairs and service is also attached.
example
Wir haben unser neues Auto in einem großen Autohaus am Stadtrand gekauft.
We bought our new car at a large car dealership on the outskirts of town.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Autohaus' (car dealership) is a simple compound made up of 'Auto' (car) and 'Haus' (house). So it literally describes a house where things are about cars.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Autohaus stehen viele neue Modelle.
There are many new models standing in front of the car dealership.
Typical collocations
Common activities related to an 'Autohaus' (car dealership) are: 'ein Auto kaufen' (to buy a car), 'eine Probefahrt vereinbaren' (to arrange a test drive), or 'das Auto zur Inspektion bringen' (to take the car in for inspection/service).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mein Auto morgen ins Autohaus zur Reparatur bringen.
I have to take my car to the dealership for repairs tomorrow.
Prepositions: location & direction
To describe movement, you say 'ins Autohaus fahren/gehen' (to drive/go to the car dealership; accusative). When describing the place where someone is located, you say 'im Autohaus sein' (to be at/in the car dealership; dative).
EXAMPLE
Der Verkäufer wartet schon im Autohaus auf uns.
The salesperson is already waiting for us at the dealership.