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
'das Auto' and 'das Automobil' basically mean the same vehicle. 'Auto' is the normal word in everyday language and sounds natural in conversations, news reports, or simple texts. 'Automobil' is more formal and technical. You are more likely to find it in specialist texts, in the history of technology, or in official contexts. In everyday life, people almost always say 'Auto'.
Im Museum stehen alte Automobile aus den ersten Jahren des 20. Jahrhunderts.
The museum has old automobiles from the early years of the 20th century.
Herr Müller nimmt morgen das Auto, um rechtzeitig zum Bahnhof zu kommen.
Mr. Müller is taking the car tomorrow so he can get to the station on time.