der Automat
machine
A device that independently dispenses goods or provides a service after payment or at the push of a button.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch Geld am Automaten abheben.
I still need to withdraw money from the ATM.
der Automat
machine / automaton
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Automat
automaton
A person who acts mechanically, without feeling, or without thinking for themselves.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Vorfall reagiert er nur noch wie ein Automat und zeigt keine Emotionen mehr.
Since the incident, he only reacts like an automaton and no longer shows any emotions.
Usage tips
Compound words
'Automat' is often the second part of a compound noun. The first part describes what you get from the machine, e.g. 'Geldautomat' (ATM), 'Fahrkartenautomat' (ticket machine), or 'Snackautomat' (snack machine).
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrkartenautomat ist leider kaputt.
Unfortunately, the ticket machine is broken.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used in connection with machines are 'Geld abheben' (to withdraw money), 'ein Ticket ziehen' (to get a ticket), or 'etwas aus dem Automaten holen' (to get something from the machine).
EXAMPLE
Du kannst an fast jedem Geldautomaten Geld abheben.
You can withdraw money at almost any ATM.
Correct preposition
To indicate a location, you use 'am Automaten' (at the machine, dative). To express movement toward it, you say 'zum Automaten' (to the machine, dative).
EXAMPLE
Ich warte auf dich am Automaten.
I'll wait for you at the machine.
Figurative meaning
The meaning 'person who acts mechanically' is a metaphor. It is often introduced with the comparison word 'wie' (like) to describe emotionless behavior.
EXAMPLE
Er erledigte seine Arbeit wie ein Automat, ohne nachzudenken.
He did his work like an automaton, without thinking.
Compare with
Automat vs Maschine
machine
Both words can refer to a device that carries out a process automatically. „Der Automat“ is more specific, however: after payment or at the push of a button, it dispenses a product or provides a service. „Die Maschine“ refers to such a device more generally, including devices without self-service.
Automat
Der Automat gibt nach dem Bezahlen eine Flasche Wasser aus.
The machine dispenses a bottle of water after payment.
Maschine
Die Maschine füllt die Flaschen selbstständig mit Wasser und verschließt sie.
The machine automatically fills the bottles with water and seals them.
In real life
Loading video examples...