der  Autofahrer

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaʊtoˌfaːʁɐ/

🚗 What does "der Autofahrer" mean?

Der Autofahrer refers to a person (usually male or of unspecified gender in the generic masculine form) who drives a car, meaning steers and operates it. It's the person behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

• The female form is: die Autofahrerin (female car driver).
• It specifically refers to drivers of cars (Autos), unlike the more general term Fahrer (which can also include truck drivers, bus drivers, etc.).

⚠️ Note: In the plural (die Autofahrer), it can refer to a group of men or a mixed group.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar Corner: Der Autofahrer

The noun "Autofahrer" is masculine and takes the article der. It belongs to the group of weak nouns (n-declension) in the plural, but usually retains the strong '-s' in the genitive singular.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Der Autofahrer parkte direkt vor dem Eingang. (The driver parked right in front of the entrance.)
2. Die Polizei kontrollierte die Papiere des Autofahrers. (The police checked the driver's papers.)
3. Ich gab dem Autofahrer ein Zeichen, dass er vorbeifahren kann. (I gave the driver a signal that he could pass.)
4. Siehst du den Autofahrer dort drüben? (Do you see the driver over there?)
5. Am Wochenende sind immer viele Autofahrer unterwegs. (There are always many drivers on the road on weekends.)
6. Man sollte stets Rücksicht auf andere Autofahrer nehmen. (One should always be considerate of other drivers.)

🚦 How to Use "Autofahrer"

The word "Autofahrer" is used to describe a person actively driving a car.

• Context: Typically used in contexts related to traffic (Verkehr), road rules (Straßenverkehrsordnung), accidents (Unfälle), traveling by car, or general discussions about mobility.
• Difference from "Fahrer": While "Fahrer" can be anyone driving a vehicle (bus, truck, bicycle, etc.), "Autofahrer" is specific to car drivers. Example: "Alle Fahrer wurden gebeten, langsamer zu fahren." (All drivers were asked to slow down. - general) vs. "Die neuen Parkgebühren ärgern viele Autofahrer." (The new parking fees annoy many car drivers. - specific).
• Generic Masculine: Often, "der Autofahrer" (singular) or "die Autofahrer" (plural) is used even when women are included, although the explicit feminine form "die Autofahrerin" exists and is increasingly used for visibility.

Example: "Eine Umfrage unter Autofahrern ergab, dass die meisten für ein Tempolimit sind." (A survey among car drivers showed that most are in favour of a speed limit. - Here, both men and women are likely included).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Remembering the Article "der":

Think of a stereotypical male driver (der Mann) who loves his car - he's DER AUTO-fan, DER Autofahrer. The ending "-er" often indicates masculine nouns in German, especially for professions or roles.

Remembering the Meaning "Car Driver":

The word is a compound: Auto (car) + Fahrer (driver). It literally means 'car driver'. Picture someone driving a car – that's der Autofahrer.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Careful, don't confuse with:

• Autohändler/-in: Car dealer.
• Mechaniker/-in / Kfz-Mechatroniker/-in: Mechanic / automotive mechatronics technician.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Polizist den Autofahrer: "Haben Sie etwas getrunken?"
Antwortet der Autofahrer: "Nein, wieso? Sehe ich so durstig aus?"

Translation:
A police officer asks the driver: "Have you had anything to drink?"
The driver replies: "No, why? Do I look that thirsty?"

📜 Poem about the Autofahrer

Der Autofahrer, schnell und wach,
fährt über Land, durch Stadt und Bach.
Mit Gas und Bremse, wohlvertraut,
hat er sein Ziel schnell aufgebaut.
Er lenkt das Blech, bei Tag und Nacht,
hat stets die Straße gut bedacht.

Translation:
The car driver, quick and alert,
drives over land, through town and dirt (stream/brook).
With gas and brake, familiar might,
he reaches his goal, day and night.
He steers the metal, swift and fast,
always mindful of the path cast.

❓ Riddle

Ich sitze vorn und halte das Rad,
bewege mich fort auf glattem Pfad.
Mal langsam, mal schnell, mit vier Reifen,
wer bin ich, kannst du es begreifen?

Lösung / Solution: Der Autofahrer

Translation:
I sit in front and hold the wheel,
moving along a smooth path I feel.
Sometimes slow, sometimes fast, with four tires,
who am I, fulfilling desires?

Answer: The car driver

🌐 Other Information

Word Composition:

"Autofahrer" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Auto: Short for Automobil (from Greek autós 'self' and Latin mobilis 'movable'). Means car.
• Fahrer: Derived from the verb "fahren" (to drive, to travel), meaning driver.

Trivia:

• The number of car drivers and registered passenger cars (PKW) in Germany has steadily increased over the past decades.
• The behavior of Autofahrer is a frequent topic in traffic news and safety campaigns.