01
die Tanke
gas station
Colloquial short form of 'Tankstelle' (gas station). A place where you can buy fuel for vehicles.
example
Ich muss noch kurz an der Tanke halten, um zu tanken.
I still need to stop briefly at the gas station to fill up.
die Tanke
gas station
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register: colloquial language
'Tanke' (gas station) is a very common but colloquial abbreviation. In formal conversations or in written language, you should use the full word 'Tankstelle' (gas station).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns schnell an der Tanke einen Kaffee holen.
Let's quickly grab a coffee at the gas station.
Word formation
The word 'Tanke' (gas station) is a short form of 'Tankstelle' (gas station). Such shortened forms are very popular in colloquial German.
EXAMPLE
Die nächste Tanke ist erst in 20 Kilometern.
The next gas station isn't for another 20 kilometers.
Correct preposition
Pay attention to the prepositions: when describing a location, you say 'an der Tanke' (at the gas station). When indicating direction, it is 'zur Tanke' (to the gas station).
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns in fünf Minuten an der Tanke.
We'll meet at the gas station in five minutes.
Compare with
Tanke vs Tankstelle
gas station
'Tankstelle' and 'Tanke' mean the same place: somewhere you can buy fuel for a vehicle. The difference is mainly in style. 'Tankstelle' is neutral and always fits, including in official or factual texts. 'Tanke' is colloquial and sounds casual. Learners may confuse the words because they have the same meaning. In practice: when talking with friends, 'Tanke' sounds natural; in formal situations, 'Tankstelle' is better.
Tanke
Ich gehe kurz zur Tanke, weil wir noch Benzin brauchen.
I'm going to pop over to the gas station because we still need gasoline.
Tankstelle
Vor der langen Fahrt hält Max an der Tankstelle und füllt den Tank.
Before the long drive, Max stops at the gas station and fills the tank.
In real life
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