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
Both words refer to a police car used for patrols or operations. Streifenwagen is the more specific term for a usually marked vehicle used for patrol and operational duties. Polizeiauto is more general and also works when the vehicle's exact role is not important.
Vor dem Bahnhof hielt ein Polizeiauto, aber die genaue Aufgabe des Fahrzeugs war nicht bekannt.
A police car stopped in front of the train station, but the vehicle's exact role was unknown.
Vor dem Bahnhof hielt ein gekennzeichneter Streifenwagen, der gerade auf Streifenfahrt war.
A marked patrol car stopped in front of the train station while it was on patrol.
