motor vehicle
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motor vehicle
The abbreviation for Kraftfahrzeug (motor vehicle). Refers to a vehicle powered by an engine that is not bound to rails, such as a car, motorcycle, or truck.
Die Kfz-Steuer muss jährlich für jedes zugelassene Fahrzeug bezahlt werden.
The motor vehicle tax must be paid annually for every registered vehicle.
'Kfz' is an abbreviation and stands for the word 'Kraftfahrzeug' (motor vehicle). This word itself is made up of 'Kraft' (power/engine), 'fahren' (to drive), and 'Zeug' (an old word for device or equipment).
Ein Fahrrad ist kein Kraftfahrzeug, da es keine Motorkraft hat.
A bicycle is not a motor vehicle because it has no engine power.
The abbreviation 'Kfz' is used mainly in written language, on forms, and in technical or official contexts. In normal conversation, people are more likely to say 'Auto' (car) or 'Wagen' (car).
Bitte geben Sie im Formular das amtliche Kennzeichen Ihres Kfz an.
Please enter your motor vehicle's official license plate number on the form.
'Kfz' is a very productive component of compound nouns. Very common examples are 'Kfz-Versicherung' (car insurance), 'Kfz-Werkstatt' (auto repair shop), and 'Kfz-Kennzeichen' (vehicle license plate).
Nach dem kleinen Unfall muss mein Auto in die Kfz-Werkstatt.
After the minor accident, my car has to go to the auto repair shop.
car
A car is also a Kfz, but Kfz is the broader term and includes other motorized vehicles as well. For a passenger car, Auto is the neutral everyday term; Kfz usually sounds technical or administrative. In normal conversation, Auto is therefore more appropriate.
Auf dem Werkstattformular wird Toms Wagen als Kfz erfasst.
On the repair shop form, Tom’s vehicle is recorded as a motor vehicle.
Tom bringt sein Auto heute in die Werkstatt.
Tom is taking his car to the repair shop today.
