The body part of a vehicle that is fitted over the wheels to protect the vehicle and other road users from dirt and water being thrown up.
example
Nach dem Parkrempler war der vordere Kotflügel eingedellt.
After the parking bump, the front fender was dented.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'Kot' (here in the sense of dirt or mud) and 'Flügel' (wing). It figuratively describes a wing-like part that protects the vehicle from dirt being thrown up.
EXAMPLE
Im Winter sind die Kotflügel oft mit Schneematsch bedeckt.
In winter, the fenders are often covered with slush.
Typical collocations
Since it is a car part, 'Kotflügel' (fender) often appears in connection with damage and repairs. Typical adjectives are 'verbeult' (dented), 'zerkratzt' (scratched), or 'rostig' (rusty).
EXAMPLE
Die Reparatur des verbeulten Kotflügels ist ziemlich teuer.
Repairing the dented fender is quite expensive.
Exact position
To describe the position on the vehicle precisely, the word is often combined with 'vorne' (front), 'hinten' (rear), 'links' (left), or 'rechts' (right).
EXAMPLE
Beim Ausparken habe ich den Kotflügel hinten links zerkratzt.
While pulling out of the parking space, I scratched the rear left fender.