01
der Gebrauchtwagen
used car
A car that has already had one or more previous owners; a second-hand vehicle.
example
Für mein erstes Auto habe ich mir einen günstigen Gebrauchtwagen gekauft.
For my first car, I bought an inexpensive used car.
der Gebrauchtwagen
used car
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound of 'gebraucht' (used) and 'Wagen' (car). 'Gebraucht' is the past participle of 'gebrauchen' (to use) and here means 'used' or 'second-hand'.
EXAMPLE
Ein neuer Wagen war zu teuer, also entschied er sich für einen Gebrauchtwagen.
A new car was too expensive, so he decided on a used car.
Typical verbs
In connection with 'Gebrauchtwagen' (used car), the verbs 'kaufen' (to buy), 'verkaufen' (to sell), and 'suchen' (to look for) are often used. A person who sells used cars professionally is a 'Gebrauchtwagenhändler' (used car dealer).
EXAMPLE
Er sucht seit Wochen online nach einem guten Gebrauchtwagen.
He has been looking online for a good used car for weeks.
Typical adjectives
Common adjectives that describe a 'Gebrauchtwagen' (used car) are 'günstig' (inexpensive), 'zuverlässig' (reliable), 'gut erhalten' (well maintained), or 'alt' (old).
EXAMPLE
Trotz des Alters ist es ein sehr zuverlässiger Gebrauchtwagen.
Despite its age, it is a very reliable used car.
Compare with
Gebrauchtwagen vs Oldtimer
classic car / old-timer
'der Oldtimer' and 'der Gebrauchtwagen' can both be cars that are not new. The important difference is: a used car has already had one or more previous owners. It can be almost new or already older. An 'Oldtimer' is a particularly old, usually well-preserved vehicle and is often something special for collectors. Learners may confuse the words because neither refers to a new car. If you only mean that a car is second-hand, you say 'Gebrauchtwagen'. If the age, good condition, and special value are important, you say 'Oldtimer'.
Gebrauchtwagen
Lisa kauft einen Gebrauchtwagen, weil ein neues Auto zu teuer ist.
Lisa is buying a used car because a new car is too expensive.
Oldtimer
In der Garage steht ein roter Oldtimer aus den sechziger Jahren.
There is a red classic car from the sixties in the garage.
In real life
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