der Laster
truck
A colloquial short form for 'Lastkraftwagen' (truck/HGV); a large, heavy vehicle for transporting goods.
EXAMPLE
Ein Laster blockierte die Autobahn nach einem Unfall.
A truck blocked the highway after an accident.
der Laster
truck / vice
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Meanings
das Laster
vice
A bad habit, a moral weakness, or sinful behavior.
EXAMPLE
Das Rauchen ist ein Laster, das er einfach nicht aufgeben kann.
Smoking is a vice that he simply can't give up.
Usage tips
Careful with the article!
This word has two different meanings, which are distinguished by the article. 'Der Laster' (masculine) is the truck. 'Das Laster' (neuter) is a bad habit. The wrong article can cause major confusion.
EXAMPLE
Der Laster steht im Stau.
The truck is stuck in traffic.
Colloquial for truck
The meaning 'Lastwagen' (truck) is colloquial. 'Laster' is a short form of 'Lastkraftwagen', whose official abbreviation is 'LKW'. In formal texts, you are more likely to read 'Lastkraftwagen' or 'LKW'.
EXAMPLE
Auf der A7 ist ein Laster umgekippt.
A truck has overturned on the A7.
Typical collocations
When referring to a bad habit ('das Laster'), typical verbs are 'haben' (to have), 'aufgeben' (to give up), or 'ablegen' (to get rid of). For example, you can say 'ein Laster haben' (to have a vice) or 'ein Laster aufgeben' (to give up a vice).
EXAMPLE
Er hat es geschafft, sein Laster, das Rauchen, endlich aufzugeben.
He managed to finally give up his vice, smoking.
Compare with
Laster vs Lastwagen
truck
Both der Laster and der Lastwagen can refer to a large vehicle for transporting goods. Laster is the colloquial shortened form, while Lastwagen sounds more neutral and unambiguous. Use Laster in casual conversation and Lastwagen in neutral situations.
Laster
Der Laster bringt die neuen Möbel heute Nachmittag zum Geschäft.
The truck is delivering the new furniture to the store this afternoon.
Lastwagen
Der Lastwagen bringt die neuen Möbel heute Nachmittag zum Geschäft.
The truck is delivering the new furniture to the store this afternoon.
In real life
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