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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
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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 Lkw
truck
'der Lkw' and 'der Laster' mean the same thing in many situations: a large vehicle that transports goods. The difference is mainly in style. 'Lkw' is neutral and works well in official texts, news reports, forms, or at work. 'Laster' sounds more colloquial and is more suitable in everyday speech. If you want to speak precisely or officially, 'Lkw' is more natural. In conversation, people often simply say 'Laster'.
Laster
Vor unserem Haus stand den ganzen Morgen ein Laster mit Möbeln.
A truck with furniture stood in front of our house all morning.
Lkw
Der Lkw darf wegen seiner Höhe nicht durch den alten Tunnel fahren.
Because of its height, the truck is not allowed to drive through the old tunnel.
In real life
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