01
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
'der Lkw' and 'der Lastwagen' mean the same thing: a large vehicle that transports goods by road. 'Lkw' is the abbreviation and is used very often in news reports, companies, traffic reports, or official texts. 'Lastwagen' is the written-out form and sounds a bit more descriptive in everyday language. In most situations, you can use both words.
Lastwagen
Hinter dem Haus stand ein Lastwagen voller Umzugskartons.
Behind the house stood a truck full of moving boxes.
Lkw
Der Lkw bringt morgen die neuen Möbel ins Lager.
The truck is bringing the new furniture to the warehouse tomorrow.
In real life
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