police car
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police car
A vehicle used by the police for their official duties, such as patrols or operations. Often also referred to as a patrol car.
Ein Polizeiauto fuhr mit Blaulicht und Sirene durch die Straße.
A police car drove down the street with flashing blue lights and its siren on.
The word is a clear example of a compound noun: 'die Polizei' (the police) + 'das Auto' (the car). The article of the whole word is determined by the last part, so 'das Auto' (the car).
Vor dem Haus stand ein Polizeiauto.
There was a police car in front of the house.
'Polizeiauto' (police car) is often mentioned in connection with its typical signals: 'Blaulicht' (flashing blue light) and 'Sirene' (siren), also called 'Martinshorn' when in use.
Die Kinder waren fasziniert von dem Polizeiauto mit dem lauten Martinshorn.
The children were fascinated by the police car with the loud siren.
Common verbs used with 'Polizeiauto' (police car) describe its actions: 'eintreffen' (to arrive), 'verfolgen' (to pursue), 'blockieren' (to block), or 'patrouillieren' (to patrol).
Zwei Polizeiautos blockierten die Ausfahrt der Tiefgarage.
Two police cars blocked the exit of the underground parking garage.
patrol car
'der Streifenwagen' and 'das Polizeiauto' often mean the same thing: a police car used for operations or official trips. 'Polizeiauto' is the more general and simpler word. It can mean any car used by the police. 'Streifenwagen' sounds a bit more specific because it especially refers to the typical patrol car that goes on patrol and is usually easy to recognize. The words are easy to confuse because in everyday life, people often use both for the same vehicle.
Vor der Schule hält ein Polizeiauto, weil es einen kleinen Unfall gegeben hat.
A police car is stopped in front of the school because there has been a minor accident.
Am Morgen stand ein Streifenwagen vor dem Supermarkt.
In the morning, a patrol car was parked in front of the supermarket.