01
die Karre
car
A colloquial, often derogatory term for a car, especially an old or bad vehicle.
example
Meine alte Karre hat den Geist aufgegeben, ich brauche ein neues Auto.
My old car has given up the ghost; I need a new car.
die Karre
car / cart
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Karre' (car/cart) depends heavily on the context. In connection with traffic, driving, or repair shops, it usually means a car. In contexts such as gardening, construction, or transport by hand, it means a simple cart or a wheelbarrow.
EXAMPLE
Hilf mir mal, die Karre mit dem Sand zu schieben.
Help me push the cart with the sand.
Register: colloquial language
Using 'Karre' for a car is very colloquial. It is often used slightly disparagingly for an old, bad car, or ironically for one's own vehicle.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss meine alte Karre endlich mal zur Reparatur bringen.
I really need to finally take my old car in for repairs.
Word structure
The word 'Karre' (cart) is the base for useful compound words such as 'die Schubkarre' (wheelbarrow; pushed) or 'die Handkarre' (handcart; pulled by hand).
EXAMPLE
Für die Gartenarbeit brauchen wir eine neue Schubkarre.
We need a new wheelbarrow for the gardening.
Sentence structure of the expression
The fixed expression 'jemandem an die Karre fahren' (to go after someone) always requires a person in the dative. This person is the target of the attack or criticism.
EXAMPLE
Sei vorsichtig, der neue Kollege versucht, dir an die Karre zu fahren.
Be careful, the new colleague is trying to go after you.
Compare with
Karre vs Auto
car
'das Auto' and 'die Karre' can both mean a vehicle that you drive. 'Auto' is the normal, neutral word and fits almost any situation. 'Karre' is colloquial and often sounds negative or mocking, especially when the car is old, broken, or uncomfortable. Learners may confuse the words because both can point to the same vehicle. The safer rule is: in normal conversation, with authorities, or in polite situations, say 'Auto'. Use 'Karre' more among friends when speaking casually or disparagingly.
Karre
Diese alte Karre springt bei Kälte kaum noch an.
This old car barely starts in cold weather anymore.
Auto
Nach dem Einkaufen haben wir die Taschen ins Auto gelegt.
After shopping, we put the bags in the car.
In real life
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