small car
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small car
A car that belongs to a vehicle class smaller than the compact class but larger than the microcar class. Small cars are typically designed for city traffic and shorter distances.
Für die Stadt ist ein Kleinwagen ideal, weil man leichter einen Parkplatz findet.
A small car is ideal for the city because it is easier to find a parking space.
The word 'Kleinwagen' (small car) is simply structured and is made up of the adjective 'klein' (small) and the noun 'der Wagen' (car/vehicle). So it literally describes a small vehicle or a small car.
Als mein erstes Auto hatte ich einen gebrauchten Kleinwagen.
My first car was a used small car.
The base word '-wagen' is very productive for vehicle types. If you recognize this pattern, you can also understand other words like 'Lastwagen' (truck), 'Rennwagen' (race car), or 'Kinderwagen' (stroller) more easily.
Der LKW-Fahrer parkte seinen Lastwagen auf dem Rastplatz.
The truck driver parked his truck at the rest stop.
A 'Kleinwagen' (small car) is often described with adjectives such as 'sparsam' (fuel-efficient/economical), 'praktisch' (practical), or 'wendig' (maneuverable). Typical verbs are 'einen Kleinwagen fahren' (to drive a small car), 'mieten' (to rent), or 'kaufen' (to buy).
Für den Urlaub am Meer haben wir einen kleinen, sparsamen Kleinwagen gemietet.
For our vacation by the sea, we rented a small, fuel-efficient small car.
speedy little car / streaker
'der Kleinwagen' and 'der Flitzer' can both refer to a small car. 'Kleinwagen' is a neutral word for a certain type of car that is especially practical in city traffic. 'Flitzer' is colloquial and sounds more casual; it often means a small, fast, or sporty car. The words can be confused because both can fit small cars. If you are speaking neutrally about the vehicle class, 'Kleinwagen' is more precise. If you are speaking casually about a fast small car, 'Flitzer' fits better.
Für die engen Straßen in der Stadt kauft sich Max einen Kleinwagen.
Max is buying a small car for the narrow streets in the city.
Vor dem Büro steht ein roter Flitzer mit offenem Dach.
There is a red speedy little car with an open roof parked in front of the office.