steam locomotive
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steam locomotive
A locomotive powered by a steam engine. It is historically the oldest type of locomotive and today is used mainly for tourist or museum purposes.
Die Fahrt mit der alten Dampflok durch die Berge war ein unvergessliches Erlebnis.
The ride through the mountains on the old steam locomotive was an unforgettable experience.
The word 'Dampflok' (steam locomotive) is a compound made from 'der Dampf' (steam) and 'die Lok' (locomotive). 'Lok' is a short form of 'Lokomotive' (locomotive). So it is literally a locomotive powered by steam.
Für das Fest wurde die alte Dampflok extra restauriert.
The old steam locomotive was specially restored for the festival.
The component '-lok' is an abbreviation of 'Lokomotive' (locomotive) and is also used in other words to describe the type of locomotive, for example 'E-Lok' (electric locomotive) or 'Diesellok' (diesel locomotive).
Auf dieser Strecke verkehren nur noch moderne E-Loks.
Only modern electric locomotives still run on this route.
Common verbs used with 'Dampflok' (steam locomotive) are 'fahren' (to ride/drive) and 'restaurieren' (to restore). It is often described with adjectives such as 'alt' (old), 'historisch' (historic), or 'nostalgisch' (nostalgic).
Viele Touristen wollen einmal mit der historischen Dampflok fahren.
Many tourists want to ride on the historic steam locomotive once.
locomotive
'Lok' and 'Dampflok' both refer to a vehicle that pulls a train. 'Lok' is the general, short term for a locomotive. It can be an electric locomotive, a diesel locomotive, or another type. 'Dampflok' is more specific: it means only a locomotive that runs on steam. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Dampflok' is a 'Lok', but not every 'Lok' is a 'Dampflok'. If the type of drive is not important, 'Lok' fits. If the topic is old trains, museums, or historical technology, 'Dampflok' is more precise.
Die Dampflok zieht am Sonntag einen alten Touristenzug durch das Tal.
On Sunday, the steam locomotive pulls an old tourist train through the valley.
Am Bahnhof steht eine rote Lok vor den neuen Waggons.
At the station, a red locomotive is standing in front of the new cars.