der Wagen, –
car
Ein Fahrzeug mit Rädern, das zum Transport von Personen oder Dingen genutzt wird.
The German word "Wagen" is a noun as well as a verb:
-
As a noun:
"Wagen" means car or vehicle. It can also refer to a "wagon" or "cart".- Example components: The word itself originates from old Germanic roots and is not compounded here, so no smaller parts to explain.
-
As a verb:
"wagen" means to dare or to risk. It comes from the noun usage metaphorically implying "to take a vehicle" as a leap or risk.
Similar words (noun):
- "Auto" (car),
- "Fahrzeug" (vehicle),
- "Karren" (cart, usually for work or goods).
Difference:
- "Wagen" is a more traditional/older or formal term for vehicle or car, sometimes poetic.
- "Auto" is the everyday, common word for car.
- As a verb, "wagen" emphasizes the act of daring or taking a risk, which is distinct from simply trying or attempting ("versuchen").
Make “Wagen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Mein Vater fährt einen neuen Wagen.noun
My father is driving a new car.
Der Wagen parkt vor dem Haus.noun
The car is parked in front of the house.
Im Wagen liegen viele Tragetaschen.noun
In the car there are many shopping bags.
Mein Wagen bleibt heute in der Garage.noun
My car stays in the garage today.
Unser Wagen steht in der Garage.noun
Our car is in the garage.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad