passenger car
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passenger car
Abbreviation for Personenkraftwagen (passenger car); a car designed mainly for transporting people.
Für die Fahrt in den Urlaub mieten wir einen größeren Pkw.
For the trip on vacation, we're renting a larger passenger car.
'Pkw' is an abbreviation for 'Personenkraftwagen' (passenger car). This long word is made up of 'Personen' (people), 'Kraft' (power, here referring to the motor), and 'Wagen' (car).
Die Zulassung für den Personenkraftwagen muss erneuert werden.
The registration for the passenger car needs to be renewed.
The abbreviation 'Pkw' is used mainly in formal or official contexts. These include, for example, police reports, traffic news, or official documents.
Die Polizei meldet einen Stau auf der A9 nach einem Unfall mit drei Pkw.
The police report a traffic jam on the A9 after an accident involving three passenger cars.
As an abbreviation, 'Pkw' is pronounced letter by letter: 'Pe-Ka-We'.
Der Zeuge sprach von einem blauen Pkw.
The witness spoke of a blue passenger car.
car
Auto and Pkw can refer to the same passenger car. Auto is the usual term in everyday life, while Pkw, as an abbreviation, is used more often in official, technical, or traffic-related contexts. Auto is usually appropriate in conversation, while Pkw is often used on a form.
Im amtlichen Formular gibt Mia ihren Wagen als Pkw an.
On the official form, Mia lists her vehicle as a passenger car.
Mia fährt jeden Morgen mit dem Auto zur Arbeit.
Mia drives to work by car every morning.
