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
'das Auto' and 'das Kfz' both refer to motorized vehicles, but they are used differently. In everyday language, 'Auto' usually means a passenger car, that is, a vehicle for people. 'Kfz' is the abbreviation for 'Kraftfahrzeug' (motor vehicle) and is broader: motorcycles or trucks can also be Kfz. In addition, 'Kfz' sounds more formal and is often used by insurance companies, government offices, or repair shops. Learners may confuse the words because every Auto is a Kfz. But not every Kfz is an Auto.
Für das Kfz brauchen wir eine gültige Versicherung.
We need valid insurance for the motor vehicle.
Mein Auto steht heute wegen der Reparatur in der Werkstatt.
My car is in the repair shop today because of the repairs.