automobile
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automobile
A vehicle with an engine, usually with four wheels, used to transport people on roads. It is a more formal or technical word for 'Auto' (car).
Das erste Automobil mit Verbrennungsmotor wurde im 19. Jahrhundert von Carl Benz entwickelt.
The first automobile with an internal combustion engine was developed by Carl Benz in the 19th century.
The word is composed of the Greek 'auto' (self) and the Latin 'mobilis' (movable). So it literally describes a vehicle that 'moves by itself'.
Die Erfindung des Automobils hat die Welt für immer verändert.
The invention of the automobile changed the world forever.
'Automobil' (automobile) is a formal and rather technical or historical term. In everyday language, the word 'Auto' (car) is used almost exclusively.
Die Automobilindustrie steht vor großen Herausforderungen.
The automobile industry is facing major challenges.
Common combinations emphasize the technical or historical character of the word. These include 'die Automobil-Ausstellung' (the automobile exhibition), 'der Automobil-Club' (the automobile club), or 'die Automobil-Branche' (the automobile sector).
Auf der Automobil-Ausstellung werden die neuesten Modelle gezeigt.
The latest models are being shown at the automobile exhibition.
car
Auto and Automobil refer here to the same vehicle. Auto is the neutral everyday word. Automobil sounds more formal, technical, or historical, so it is more suitable for technical texts or historical accounts.
Der technische Bericht beschreibt das Automobil als viersitziges Fahrzeug.
The technical report describes the automobile as a four-seater vehicle.
Unser Auto hat vier Sitze und steht vor dem Haus.
Our car has four seats and is parked in front of the house.
