01
der Geldautomat
ATM
A machine where you can withdraw cash from your own account using a bank card.
example
Ich muss noch schnell zum Geldautomaten, bevor die Geschäfte schließen.
I still need to quickly go to the ATM before the shops close.
der Geldautomat
ATM
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Geldautomat' (ATM) is a compound noun made up of 'Geld' (money) and 'Automat' (machine). So it is literally a machine for money.
EXAMPLE
Der nächste Geldautomat ist gleich um die Ecke.
The nearest ATM is just around the corner.
Correct prepositions
Pay attention to the prepositions: you go 'zum Geldautomaten' (to the ATM, direction), you stand 'am Geldautomaten' (at the ATM, location), and you get money 'aus dem Geldautomaten' (from the ATM, source).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du auf dem Weg nach Hause am Geldautomaten anhalten?
Can you stop at the ATM on the way home?
Typical action
The most common action at an ATM is described with the separable verb 'Geld abheben' (to withdraw money).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss Bargeld abheben, weil das Restaurant keine Karten akzeptiert.
I need to withdraw cash because the restaurant doesn't accept cards.
Compare with
Geldautomat vs Automat
machine / automaton
'der Automat' is a general word for a machine that independently dispenses something or provides a service. 'der Geldautomat' is a specific kind of machine: you use it to withdraw cash with a bank card. The words can easily be confused because a Geldautomat is indeed an Automat. But not every Automat is a Geldautomat. When it is about cash and a bank card, the more precise word is 'Geldautomat'.
Geldautomat
Im Urlaub sucht Julia einen Geldautomaten, weil sie Bargeld braucht.
On vacation, Julia looks for an ATM because she needs cash.
Automat
Der Automat am Bahnhof verkauft Fahrkarten für den Zug.
The machine at the train station sells train tickets.
In real life
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