01
die Tankstelle
gas station
A business where motor vehicles can be filled with fuel.
example
Ich muss kurz an der nächsten Tankstelle halten, das Benzin ist fast alle.
I need to stop briefly at the next gas station; the gas is almost gone.
die Tankstelle
gas station
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
'Tankstelle' is a compound noun made from the verb 'tanken' (to fill up/refuel) and the noun 'die Stelle' (the place/spot). So it literally means 'a place where you refuel'.
EXAMPLE
Die nächste Tankstelle ist erst in 20 Kilometern.
The next gas station is not for another 20 kilometers.
Correct preposition
Pay attention to the preposition and case. You drive 'an die Tankstelle' (to the gas station; accusative, for direction), and you are or stop 'an der Tankstelle' (at the gas station; dative, for location).
EXAMPLE
Fahr bitte an die nächste Tankstelle, unser Tank ist fast leer.
Please drive to the next gas station; our tank is almost empty.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Tankstelle' are 'halten' (to stop), 'tanken' (to refuel), and 'bezahlen' (to pay). Often you can also wash the car there or check the tire pressure.
EXAMPLE
An vielen Tankstellen kann man mittlerweile auch einkaufen.
At many gas stations, you can now also do some shopping.
Compare with
Tankstelle vs Tanke
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.
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.
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.
In real life
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