der Camper
camper
A person who goes camping as a form of vacation or leisure activity.
EXAMPLE
Der Campingplatz war im Sommer voller Camper aus ganz Europa.
In summer, the campsite was full of campers from all over Europe.
der Camper
camper
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Meanings
der Camper
camper
A vehicle that has been specially converted for living and sleeping while camping; a motorhome or camper van.
EXAMPLE
Sie haben ihren alten VW-Bus zu einem Camper umgebaut.
They converted their old VW bus into a camper.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Camper' is a word from English, derived from the verb 'to camp'. In German, the ending '-er' can refer both to a person who does something and to a device or vehicle used for something.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Camper ist sehr modern ausgestattet.
This camper is equipped in a very modern way.
Context clue
You can tell whether a person or a vehicle is meant from the verb. If the 'Camper' (camper) does something, e.g. cooks or sleeps, it is a person. If something is done with the 'Camper' (camper), e.g. driving, parking, or renting it, it is a vehicle.
EXAMPLE
Die Camper bauten am Abend ihr Zelt auf.
The campers put up their tent in the evening.
Typical collocations
When a person is meant, 'der Camper' (the camper) often appears in the plural in contexts referring to location or origin. Typical phrases are 'die Camper auf dem Campingplatz' (the campers at the campsite) or 'viele Camper aus den Niederlanden' (many campers from the Netherlands).
EXAMPLE
Die erfahrenen Camper wussten genau, wie man ein Feuer macht.
The experienced campers knew exactly how to make a fire.
Typical collocations
When the vehicle is meant, 'der Camper' (the camper) is often combined with verbs such as 'mieten' (to rent), 'kaufen' (to buy), 'fahren' (to drive), or 'umbauen' (to convert). The phrase 'mit dem Camper reisen' (to travel by camper) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Für den Urlaub in Norwegen wollen wir einen Camper mieten.
We want to rent a camper for our vacation in Norway.
Compare with
Camper vs Wohnmobil
motorhome / RV
Both words can refer to a vehicle used for living and sleeping while camping. „Wohnmobil“ is the precise standard term for this motor vehicle, while „Camper“ is used colloquially and has a broader meaning. Use „Wohnmobil“ in neutral descriptions and „Camper“ in casual everyday speech.
Camper
Für unsere Reise mieten wir einen Camper mit Betten, Küche und Toilette.
For our trip, we are renting a camper with beds, a kitchen, and a toilet.
Wohnmobil
Für unsere Reise mieten wir ein Wohnmobil mit Betten, Küche und Toilette.
For our trip, we are renting a motorhome with beds, a kitchen, and a toilet.
In real life
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