station wagon
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station wagon
Short for 'Kombinationskraftwagen'; a passenger car model with an extended roof and a large tailgate instead of a trunk lid, offering a lot of cargo space.
Für den Familienurlaub haben wir uns einen geräumigen Kombi gemietet.
For the family vacation, we rented a spacious station wagon.
'Kombi' (station wagon) is the common abbreviation for the word 'Kombinationskraftwagen' (estate car/station wagon). The name comes from the fact that this car combines the function of a passenger car with that of a delivery van.
Wir brauchen ein größeres Auto und denken über einen Kombi nach.
We need a bigger car and are thinking about a station wagon.
In everyday language, almost only the short form 'Kombi' (station wagon) is used. The long form 'Kombinationskraftwagen' is found only in official documents, vehicle papers, or very technical texts.
Er fährt einen blauen Kombi von einem deutschen Hersteller.
He drives a blue station wagon from a German manufacturer.
Common adjectives used with 'Kombi' (station wagon) are 'geräumig' (spacious), 'praktisch' (practical), or 'familienfreundlich' (family-friendly). Typical verbs are 'fahren' (to drive), 'kaufen' (to buy), or 'mieten' (to rent).
Für den Umzug ist ein Kombi sehr praktisch, weil viel hineinpasst.
For the move, a station wagon is very practical because a lot fits inside.
van
'der Van' and 'der Kombi' are both cars with more space than a small passenger car. The difference is mainly in size and shape. A 'Kombi' is a passenger car with a long roof and a large trunk, good for a family, shopping, or luggage. A 'Van' is taller and roomier and often offers more space for several people or large objects. Learners may confuse the words because both seem practical and large. If you mean a normal car with a lot of trunk space, 'Kombi' is more precise. If the vehicle is more like a small passenger or transport vehicle, 'Van' fits better.
Mein Bruder lädt den Kinderwagen in den Kombi.
My brother loads the stroller into the station wagon.
Wegen der vielen Kinder fährt die Familie morgen mit einem Van in den Park.
Because they have so many children, the family is driving to the park in a van tomorrow.