der Diesel
diesel
A fuel used in diesel engines.
EXAMPLE
Die Preise für Diesel sind in letzter Zeit stark gestiegen.
Diesel prices have risen sharply recently.
der Diesel
diesel
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Meanings
der Diesel
diesel vehicle
A vehicle, especially a car, that is powered by a diesel engine.
EXAMPLE
Mein nächstes Auto wird kein Diesel mehr sein.
My next car won't be a diesel anymore.
der Diesel
diesel engine
The diesel engine as a technical unit.
EXAMPLE
Der von Rudolf Diesel erfundene Diesel revolutionierte die Antriebstechnik.
The diesel engine invented by Rudolf Diesel revolutionized drive technology.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The word 'Diesel' is derived from the surname of its inventor, Rudolf Diesel. He developed the diesel engine at the end of the 19th century.
EXAMPLE
Rudolf Diesel hätte wohl nicht gedacht, wie verbreitet seine Erfindung einmal sein würde.
Rudolf Diesel probably would not have imagined how widespread his invention would one day become.
Meaning from context
Whether the fuel, the vehicle, or the engine is meant can be recognized from the verb. 'Diesel tanken' (to fill up with diesel) refers to the fuel, while 'einen Diesel fahren' (to drive a diesel) refers to the car.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss an der nächsten Tankstelle Diesel tanken.
I need to fill up with diesel at the next gas station.
Typical collocations
When 'Diesel' refers to the fuel, it is often used with the verbs 'tanken' (to fill up), 'verbrauchen' (to consume), or in connection with 'Preis' (price) and 'Liter' (liter).
EXAMPLE
Mein Auto verbraucht nur fünf Liter Diesel auf 100 Kilometer.
My car uses only five liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.
Colloquial use
In colloquial speech, 'der Diesel' is very often used as a short form for a car with a diesel engine. In more formal or technical texts, one would be more likely to write 'Dieselfahrzeug' (diesel vehicle).
EXAMPLE
Immer mehr Städte denken über Fahrverbote für Diesel nach.
More and more cities are considering driving bans for diesel vehicles.
Compare with
Diesel vs Benzin
gasoline
Diesel and gasoline are fuels for vehicles, but they are used with different types of engines. Diesel is used for a vehicle with a diesel engine, while gasoline is used for a vehicle with a spark-ignition engine. What matters, therefore, is which engine your car has.
Diesel
Für unser Auto mit Dieselmotor tanken wir Diesel.
We fill our diesel-powered car with diesel.
Benzin
Für unser Auto mit Ottomotor tanken wir Benzin.
We fill our car with a spark-ignition engine with gasoline.
In real life
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