die Stoßstange, -n
bumper
Definition & meaning
A Stoßstange is a structural component located at the front and rear of a motor vehicle. Its primary function is to absorb the impact of low-speed collisions and protect the vehicle's bodywork, engine, and safety components. In modern vehicles, these are often integrated into the body design and made of plastic, whereas older models featured prominent metal bumpers.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a compound noun formed from two German words:
- Stoß: Meaning "impact," "push," or "shock."
- Stange: Meaning "bar," "pole," or "rod."
Grammatically, it is a feminine noun (die Stoßstange), and its plural form is die Stoßstangen.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Anpralldämpfer: A more technical term focusing on the shock-absorbing function.
- Stoßfänger: A very common synonym that is virtually interchangeable with Stoßstange in everyday German.
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for this word as it refers to a specific physical component of a vehicle.
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Examples
Die Stoßstange ist kaputt.noun
The bumper is broken.
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