01
der Polo
Polo
A small car model made by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen.
example
Mein erstes Auto war ein zwanzig Jahre alter Polo.
My first car was a twenty-year-old Polo.
der Polo
polo
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Three worlds, one word
To understand the meaning of 'Polo', context is crucial. If the sentence is about cars, it means the VW model. In sports, it refers to the equestrian sport. In the context of clothing, it means a shirt.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seinen alten Polo verkauft.
He sold his old Polo.
Always 'der Polo'
Although the word refers to three completely different things (a car, a sport, an item of clothing), the article is always 'der'. This makes it easier to use.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Polo hat viele technische Verbesserungen.
The new Polo has many technical improvements.
Short for Polohemd
When 'Polo' is used in the context of clothing, it is a common abbreviation for 'das Polohemd' (polo shirt).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss meine Polos noch bügeln.
I still have to iron my polo shirts.
Playing the sport
The sport polo is always combined with the verb 'spielen' (to play). Other verbs like 'machen' (to do) or 'treiben' (to practice/do sports) are unusual here.
EXAMPLE
In England spielen viele Mitglieder der Königsfamilie Polo.
In England, many members of the royal family play polo.
Compare with
Polo vs Golf
gulf / golf
'der Golf' and 'der Polo' can easily be confused because both are names for sports and also for Volkswagen car models. As a car, the Golf is a very well-known model; the Polo is a smaller model. As a sport, golf is a game with clubs and holes on a course. Polo is a team sport played on horseback. In addition, 'Polo' can also mean a polo shirt. The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended: car dealership, sports field, or clothing.
Polo
Mila trägt zum Termin einen blauen Polo und eine helle Hose.
Mila is wearing a blue polo shirt and light-colored pants to the appointment.
Golf
Nach der Probefahrt hat sich Tom für einen gebrauchten Golf entschieden.
After the test drive, Tom decided on a used Golf.
In real life
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