die Karosserie
vehicle body
The outer structure of a vehicle, especially a car, that encloses the chassis, engine, and interior.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall hatte die Karosserie eine große Delle.
After the accident, the body had a large dent.
die Karosserie
body
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Meanings
Usage tips
Technical term for vehicles
'Karosserie' (body) is a specific technical term used almost exclusively in the context of vehicles such as cars, buses, or trains. It refers to the outer shell of the vehicle.
EXAMPLE
Die Karosserie dieses Oldtimers ist noch original.
The body of this vintage car is still original.
Typical collocations
People often talk about damage to the body. Typical collocations are 'eine Delle in der Karosserie haben' (to have a dent in the body) or 'einen Kratzer an der Karosserie reparieren' (to repair a scratch on the body).
EXAMPLE
Ein Fahrradfahrer hat einen langen Kratzer in der Karosserie hinterlassen.
A cyclist left a long scratch in the body.
Typical verbs
In connection with repairs, the verbs 'ausbeulen' (to remove dents), 'lackieren' (to paint), and 'polieren' (to polish) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Die Werkstatt muss die beschädigte Karosserie erst ausbeulen und dann neu lackieren.
The repair shop first has to remove the dents from the damaged body and then repaint it.
Compare with
Karosserie vs Aufbau
structure / assembly
For vehicles, both words can refer to the mounted outer part. Aufbau is the broader technical term for a component mounted on the chassis, while Karosserie specifically refers to the vehicle body or outer shell. For cars, „Karosserie“ is usually the right word; for different types of vehicle superstructure, use „Aufbau“.
Karosserie
Die Karosserie des Lieferwagens wurde nach dem Unfall vollständig repariert.
The delivery van's body was completely repaired after the accident.
Aufbau
Der Aufbau des Lieferwagens wurde fest auf dem Fahrgestell montiert.
The delivery van's superstructure was firmly mounted on the chassis.
In real life
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