noun
der Fahrstuhl, ¨-e
elevator
Ein kleiner Raum, der Menschen oder Dinge in einem Gebäude nach oben oder unten bringt.
The German word "Fahrstuhl" is a noun meaning "elevator" or "lift".
- It is composed of two words:
- "fahren" (verb) meaning "to drive" or "to ride",
- "Stuhl" meaning "chair".
So literally, "Fahrstuhl" is a "driving chair" — referring to a platform or cabin that moves people between floors.
Similar words:
- Aufzug — elevator (more common in Germany),
- Lift — lift (loanword),
- Fahraufzug — a more technical term for elevator.
Differences:
- Fahrstuhl and Aufzug are often interchangeable, but Aufzug is more widely used in formal or technical contexts.
- Lift is mainly used informally and is a loanword from English.
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Examples
Der Fahrstuhl ist leider kaputt.noun
The elevator is unfortunately broken.
Viele Menschen fahren jeden Tag mit dem Fahrstuhl.noun
Many people take the elevator every day.
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