das  Benzin

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bɛnˈt͡siːn/

⛽ What does "das Benzin" mean?

Das Benzin is the German word for gasoline (US English) or petrol (UK English). It refers to a liquid fuel, mainly consisting of hydrocarbons, primarily used to power Otto engines (e.g., in cars).

It's a neuter noun, so it always takes the article "das". There are no other articles or meanings for this word.

🚨 Note: Although derived from the name Benzol (benzene), Benzin is a mixture of various hydrocarbons and not pure benzene (which is toxic).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📖 Grammar of "das Benzin" in Detail

Benzin is a noun of the neuter gender. It's typically used only in the singular because it's an uncountable noun (like Wasser 'water' or Milch 'milk'). The plural form, die Benzine, is very rare and only used to refer to different types or grades of gasoline.

Declension Singular

*Use with the indefinite article is rare, as Benzin is generally uncountable.

Declension Plural - Rare

Example Sentences

• Der Preis für das Benzin ist wieder gestiegen. (The price for the gasoline has risen again.)
• Der Geruch des Benzins lag in der Luft. (The smell of the gasoline was in the air.)
• Nach dem Benzin muss ich noch Öl nachfüllen. (After the gasoline, I still need to add oil.)
• Ich brauche dringend Benzin für mein Auto. (I urgently need gasoline for my car.)
• Wir testen verschiedene Benzine auf ihre Leistung. (We are testing different types of gasoline for their performance.) [Rare plural usage]

🚗 When and how to use "das Benzin"?

In everyday life, das Benzin is mainly used in the context of vehicles and engines.

• Getting fuel: You go to the Tankstelle (gas station / petrol station) to get Benzin. "Ich muss noch Benzin holen." (I still need to get gasoline.)
• Fuel type: To distinguish it from Diesel. "Fährt dein Auto mit Benzin oder Diesel?" (Does your car run on gasoline or diesel?)
• Consumption: Discussing a car's fuel consumption. "Mein neues Auto braucht wenig Benzin." (My new car uses little gasoline.)
• Price: Talking about fuel prices. "Das Benzin ist heute sehr teuer." (Gasoline is very expensive today.)
• Colloquial use: Often, "Sprit" is used instead of Benzin. "Mir ist der Sprit ausgegangen." (I ran out of gas/petrol.)

⚠️ In technical or chemical contexts, Benzin can refer to more specific petroleum fractions (e.g., Leichtbenzin 'light naphtha', Schwerbenzin 'heavy naphtha'), but this is not relevant for everyday use.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Benzin"

Article Mnemonic (das)

Imagine: Das Auto (neuter) needs das Benzin (neuter) so that das Fahren (driving, neuter noun) works! Many things related to driving are neuter in German. Think of 'the stuff' - gasoline is 'the stuff' cars need, and abstract 'stuff' often uses 'das'.

Meaning Mnemonic (Gasoline/Petrol)

Think of Carl Benz, inventor of the automobile. His engine needed this special juice - it was 'in' his invention. Benz-in! Or imagine a car saying 'Ah, Benzin!' when it gets fuel - it sounds a bit like 'Been seen!' as in 'I've been seen to/refueled'.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Das Benzol: Benzene, a specific chemical compound (C₆H₆). While it can be a component of gasoline, it's not the same thing. Benzene is carcinogenic.
• Das Waschbenzin / Reinigungsbenzin: White spirit / cleaning solvent, not suitable for engines.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Tankwart: "Super oder Normal?"
Antwortet der Fahrer: "Egal, ich mische das im Tank sowieso."

Translation:
The gas station attendant asks: "Super or Regular?"
The driver replies: "Doesn't matter, I mix it in the tank anyway."

✍️ Poem about Benzin

Der Tank ist leer, der Motor stottert,
die Nadel zittert, ganz verlottert.
Zur Säule schnell, ein Griff geschwind,
das Benzin fließt, wie der Wind.
Der Motor summt, die Fahrt geht weiter,
dank diesem Saft, dem Alltagsbegleiter.

Translation:
The tank is empty, the engine sputters,
the needle trembles, completely tattered.
Quickly to the pump, a swift grab made,
the gasoline flows, like a wind-blown glade.
The engine hums, the journey proceeds,
thanks to this juice, meeting everyday needs.

❓ Riddle

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch schlucke viel,
bringe Autos schnell ans Ziel.
Man zapft mich an der Station,
sonst gibt's vom Motor keinen Ton.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Das Benzin

Translation:
I have no mouth, yet I swallow much,
I bring cars quickly to their destination touch.
One draws me from the station's tap,
otherwise, the engine makes no sound, no rap.

What am I?

Answer: Gasoline / Petrol (Das Benzin)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

• Name Origin: The name Benzin was coined in the 19th century and is indirectly derived from Benzoeharz (benzoin resin), from which benzene was originally obtained. The connection to Carl Benz is more of a coincidence, albeit a fitting one. (Namensherkunft: Der Name "Benzin" wurde im 19. Jahrhundert geprägt und leitet sich indirekt von Benzoeharz ab...)
• Octane Rating: An important quality indicator for Benzin is the octane rating (Oktanzahl, ROZ), which indicates its knock resistance (e.g., Super 95, Super Plus 98). (Oktanzahl: Ein wichtiger Qualitätsindikator...)
• Color: Pure gasoline is colorless. Sometimes dyes are added to differentiate grades or distinguish it from other liquids like water. (Farbe: Reines Benzin ist farblos...)