der Wohnwagen, –
caravan
Definition & meaning
A Wohnwagen is a mobile trailer designed to provide living quarters, primarily used for recreation, travel, and camping. It is equipped with furniture and amenities such as beds, a small kitchen area, and often a compact bathroom. Unlike a motorized recreational vehicle, it lacks its own propulsion system and must be towed by a motorized vehicle, such as a car.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a compound noun consisting of two parts: the verb wohnen, which means to live or to reside, and the noun Wagen, which means car, wagon, or vehicle. It is a masculine noun: der Wohnwagen. In the plural form, the word does not change its ending: die Wohnwagen.
Synonyms & antonyms
Common synonyms include Caravan, which is a loanword from English, and Campingwagen. In a very broad sense, it is a type of Anhänger, though that term refers to any trailer.
A related but distinct concept is the Wohnmobil, which refers to a motorized home that can be driven independently without a towing vehicle. Another alternative for temporary outdoor accommodation is a Zelt.
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Examples
Wir machen Urlaub in unserem Wohnwagen.noun
We are going on vacation in our caravan.
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