der Lastwagen
truck
A large motor vehicle used to transport goods and merchandise by road. Synonyms are Lkw or Laster.
EXAMPLE
Ein Lastwagen blockierte die Autobahn nach einem Unfall.
A truck blocked the highway after an accident.
der Lastwagen
truck
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Lastwagen' (truck) is a compound noun made up of 'die Last' (load, freight) and 'der Wagen' (vehicle/cart). So it is literally a vehicle for transporting loads.
EXAMPLE
Der Lastwagen transportiert Möbel für einen Umzug.
The truck is transporting furniture for a move.
Common abbreviation
In everyday language, on road signs, and in traffic reports, the abbreviation 'Lkw' (for Lastkraftwagen) is used very frequently.
EXAMPLE
Auf der A5 gibt es einen Stau wegen eines liegengebliebenen Lkw.
There is a traffic jam on the A5 because of a broken-down truck.
Typical verbs
Common verbs in connection with 'Lastwagen' (truck) are 'fahren' (to drive), 'beladen' (to load), 'entladen' (to unload), and 'überholen' (to overtake/pass).
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeiter entladen den Lastwagen mit den neuen Waren.
The workers are unloading the truck with the new goods.
Compare with
Lastwagen vs Lkw
truck
Lkw and Lastwagen both refer to a large vehicle used to transport goods. Lkw is the matter-of-fact abbreviation and is especially common in written or technical texts; Lastwagen, as the full word, sounds more general and also fits everyday speech well.
Lastwagen
Auf der Autobahn standen mehrere Lastwagen im Stau.
Several trucks were stuck in a traffic jam on the highway.
Lkw
Auf der Autobahn standen mehrere Lkw im Stau.
Several trucks were stuck in a traffic jam on the highway.
In real life
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