motor vehicle
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motor vehicle
An official and technical umbrella term for a land vehicle powered by a motor and not bound to rails. This includes especially cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Laut Straßenverkehrsordnung ist das Führen eines Kraftfahrzeugs ohne gültige Fahrerlaubnis strafbar.
According to traffic regulations, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license is a punishable offense.
The word is made up of three parts: 'Kraft' (power/motor), 'Fahr' (from 'fahren', to drive), and 'Zeug' (here: device). The ending '-zeug' is used for different kinds of devices or vehicles, as in 'Flugzeug' (airplane) or 'Werkzeug' (tool).
Ein Segelflugzeug ist ein Flugzeug ohne eigene Kraft.
A glider is an aircraft without its own power.
'Kraftfahrzeug' (motor vehicle) is a formal term from official and technical language. In everyday speech, more specific words such as 'Auto' (car), 'Wagen' (car), 'LKW' (truck), or 'Motorrad' (motorcycle) are usually used instead.
In diesem Parkhaus sind nur Kraftfahrzeuge bis 2 Tonnen Gesamtgewicht erlaubt.
Only motor vehicles up to 2 tons total weight are allowed in this parking garage.
In written usage, especially in forms, advertisements, or technical documents, the abbreviation 'Kfz' is almost always used. It is read as 'Ka-Eff-Zett'.
Für die Reise benötigen Sie einen gültigen Kfz-Führerschein.
For the trip, you need a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
car
'das Auto' and 'das Kraftfahrzeug' can both refer to a motorized vehicle on the road. The difference is that 'Auto' normally means a passenger car, that is, a vehicle for people. 'Kraftfahrzeug' is a technical or official umbrella term. It also includes trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles with engines. Learners may confuse the words because every Auto is a Kraftfahrzeug. But not every Kraftfahrzeug is an Auto. In everyday language, 'Auto' is usually more natural; in forms or laws, 'Kraftfahrzeug' is more likely.
Auf diesem Weg sind Kraftfahrzeuge nur mit besonderer Erlaubnis erlaubt.
Motor vehicles are allowed on this path only with special permission.
Mia parkt ihr Auto vor der Sporthalle.
Mia parks her car in front of the sports hall.