das  Krad

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kʁaːt/

🏍️ What does "das Krad" mean?

The word Krad is a short form of the German word Kraftrad. It refers to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, essentially a motorcycle.

It is a neuter noun, which is why the article is das Krad.

Although the word "Motorrad" is much more common today, "Krad" is sometimes still used, especially in:

• Official language (e.g., police, military: "Polizeikrad" - police motorcycle, "Kradmelder" - motorcycle dispatch rider)
• Technical contexts
• Older or colloquial language

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse it with "Rad" (bicycle), even though they sound similar!

⚙️ Grammar in Detail: Das Krad

"Krad" is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum).

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Der Polizist stieg von seinem Krad ab.
   The police officer got off his motorcycle.
2. Im Museum standen mehrere alte Kräder aus den 50er Jahren.
   There were several old motorcycles from the 50s in the museum.
3. Für die Reparatur des Krads benötigte er Spezialwerkzeug.
   He needed special tools to repair the motorcycle.
4. Er fährt lieber mit dem Krad als mit dem Auto zur Arbeit.
   He prefers to ride his motorcycle to work rather than drive his car.

🗣️ How to use "Krad"?

The term "Krad" is used more specifically than the general word "Motorrad" (motorcycle).

• Official/Authority Context: Often found in official documents, used by police, military, or emergency services (e.g., Kradstaffel - motorcycle squadron, Kradmelder - motorcycle dispatch rider).
• Technical Context: Sometimes used in technical descriptions or among vintage vehicle enthusiasts.
• Colloquial Speech: Rather rare and often sounds a bit dated or technical. Young people almost exclusively say "Motorrad" or "Maschine".
• Differentiation: "Krad" often emphasizes its nature as a motor vehicle (Kraftfahrzeug) in contrast to a simple "Rad" (bicycle).

In everyday life, Motorrad is the significantly more common and neutral term.

🧠 How to remember "das Krad"

For the article (das): Think of das Kraftrad. The word "Rad" (wheel/bike) is often neuter (das Rad), and "Krad" is a short form that keeps the neuter gender. Or imagine: Das little thing (Krad) makes a lot of KRawall (noise)! (KRawall isn't a real word, but sounds like Krad).

For the meaning (motorcycle): Kraft (power/force) on two Rad (wheels) = Krad. It needs power (engine) and has wheels.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Potential for Confusion

• Rad: Can mean bicycle or wheel (as a part).
• Kran: Crane (lifting device - sounds vaguely similar).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Motorradfahrer keinen Regenschirm mit?

Weil sie lieber nass werden als langsam! 😉

(Why don't motorcyclists take an umbrella? – Because they'd rather get wet than be slow! 😉)

📜 A Short Poem

Das Krad, es knattert, schnell und laut,
Auf freier Straße, kaum geglaubt.
Zwei Räder dreh'n im Windgebraus,
Es fährt geschwind zum Tor hinaus.
Ein Kraftpaket, kompakt und schick,
Das ist des Fahrers großes Glück.

(The Krad, it rattles, fast and loud,
On the open road, scarcely believed.
Two wheels turn in the roaring wind,
It swiftly rides out through the gate.
A power pack, compact and neat,
That is the rider's greatest treat.)

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich habe Kraft, doch bin kein Tier,
Zwei Räder tragen mich von hier.
Bin kürzer als mein ganzer Name,
Fahr' schneller als die Schnecken-Dame.

Was bin ich?

(I have power, but am not an animal,
Two wheels carry me from here.
I'm shorter than my full name,
Ride faster than the snail-dame.

What am I?)

Solution: Das Krad

🧩 Other Information

• Word Origin: "Krad" is a shortening of "Kraftrad", composed of "Kraft" (power, force - referring to engine power) and "Rad" (wheel).
• Kettenkrad: A special type was the "Kettenkrad" (Sd.Kfz. 2), a German half-track vehicle from World War II, which had a motorcycle steering wheel and front wheel, and tracked propulsion at the rear.
• Plural Formation: The plural "Kräder" with an umlaut (vowel change) is typical for some German nouns ending in "-rad" (e.g., das Rad -> die Räder).