The large pane of glass at the front of a vehicle that protects the occupants from wind, weather, and flying objects.
example
Ein Steinschlag hat einen Riss in der Windschutzscheibe verursacht.
A stone chip caused a crack in the windshield.
Usage tips
Compound word
This word is a typical German compound made from 'der Wind' (wind), 'der Schutz' (protection), and 'die Scheibe' (pane). So it is literally a 'Scheibe' (pane) that offers 'Schutz' (protection) from the 'Wind' (wind).
EXAMPLE
Die Windschutzscheibe schützt die Passagiere vor Regen und Insekten.
The windshield protects the passengers from rain and insects.
Typical problems
Common problems related to the windshield are 'ein Steinschlag' (a small chip caused by a stone), 'ein Riss' (a crack), or that it is 'vereist' (iced over) in winter.
EXAMPLE
Wegen eines Risses in der Windschutzscheibe musste das Auto in die Werkstatt.
Because of a crack in the windshield, the car had to go to the repair shop.
Typical verbs
Verbs often used with the windshield are 'putzen' (to clean), 'freikratzen' (to scrape free of ice), or 'austauschen' (to replace).
EXAMPLE
Im Winter muss ich morgens oft die Windschutzscheibe freikratzen.
In winter, I often have to scrape the windshield free of ice in the morning.