der  Benzinverbrauch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bɛnˈt͡siːnˌfɛɐ̯ˌbʁaʊx/

⛽ What does "der Benzinverbrauch" mean?

Der Benzinverbrauch refers to the amount of Benzin (petrol, gasoline) that a vehicle or other petrol-powered device consumes over a certain distance or time. It's a measure of energy efficiency, particularly for motor vehicles.

It's a compound noun (Kompositum):

• das Benzin: the fuel (specifically petrol/gasoline)
• der Verbrauch: the consumption or use of something

The article is der (masculine) because the main noun determining the gender is "Verbrauch", which is masculine (der Verbrauch).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Benzinverbrauch

The word "Benzinverbrauch" is a masculine noun. The plural ("die Benzinverbräuche") is rarely used but grammatically correct, for example, when comparing the consumption figures of different car models.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Der Benzinverbrauch dieses Autos ist sehr niedrig.
   (This car's petrol consumption is very low.)
2. Wir müssen den Benzinverbrauch reduzieren, um Kosten zu sparen.
   (We need to reduce petrol consumption to save costs.)
3. Der Hersteller gibt den durchschnittlichen Benzinverbrauch mit 5 Litern pro 100 Kilometer an.
   (The manufacturer states the average petrol consumption as 5 litres per 100 kilometers.)
4. Hohe Benzinverbräuche belasten die Umwelt.
   (High levels of petrol consumption burden the environment. - Plural example)

🚗 How to use "Benzinverbrauch"?

The term "Benzinverbrauch" is mainly used in the context of vehicles with petrol engines. Typical use cases include:

• Technical Specifications: Stating consumption in Litern pro 100 Kilometer (l/100 km) or miles per gallon (MPG) in other regions.
• Costs: Discussing expenses for fuel.
• Environment: The link between petrol consumption and CO2 emissions.
• Comparisons: Comparing the efficiency of different car models.

Distinction: While "Benzinverbrauch" is specific to petrol, "Kraftstoffverbrauch" (fuel consumption) is used more generally and can also refer to diesel, gas, or other fuels. However, in everyday language, the terms are often used interchangeably when it's clear a petrol vehicle is being discussed.

One often speaks of a hoher (high) or niedriger (low) Benzinverbrauch.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Remember "der Verbrauch" (the consumption). The last part of the compound noun determines the article. Since it's "der Verbrauch", it's also "der Benzinverbrauch". Think: *'der' guy consumes a lot.*

Meaning Mnemonic: Picture a petrol pump (Benzin) and how the counter keeps running as you fill up – the car 'consumes' the petrol (Verbrauch). The Benzinverbrauch tells you how thirsty your car is!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Terms (beware of confusion):

• Reichweite: Range; how far you can drive on one tank (depends on consumption and tank size).
• CO2-Emissionen: CO2 emissions; a direct consequence of petrol consumption, but a different measure (measured in g/km).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Mechaniker den Autofahrer: "Haben Sie Probleme mit dem Benzinverbrauch?"
Antwortet der Fahrer: "Nein, überhaupt nicht! Ich zahle immer brav an der Tankstelle."

--- Translation ---

The mechanic asks the driver: "Do you have problems with petrol consumption?"
The driver replies: "No, not at all! I always pay dutifully at the petrol station."

📜 A Little Poem

Der Liter zählt, die Nadel fällt,
Der Benzinverbrauch, der uns quält.
Mal hoch, mal tief, je nach dem Fuß,
Bringt er uns Freude oder Verdruss.
Ein sparsam Auto, welch ein Glück,
Bringt uns entspannt ans Ziel zurück.

--- Translation ---

The litre counts, the needle drops,
The petrol consumption that torments us.
Sometimes high, sometimes low, depending on the foot,
It brings us joy or annoyance.
An economical car, what luck,
Brings us back relaxed to our destination.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich messe, wie durstig dein Auto ist,
wie viel vom teuren Saft es frisst.
In Litern pro Hundert werd' ich genannt,
bin oft auf dem Datenblatt bekannt.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation ---

I measure how thirsty your car is,
how much of the expensive juice it eats.
In liters per hundred I am named,
often known on the spec sheet.

What am I? (... Der Benzinverbrauch / Petrol consumption)

💡 Other Interesting Facts about Benzinverbrauch

Word Composition:

The word "Benzinverbrauch" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:

• das Benzin: Specifically, petrol or gasoline, a type of fuel.
• der Verbrauch: The act of consuming or the amount consumed. The base word "Verbrauch" determines the article "der".

Typical Unit of Measurement:

In Europe and many other parts of the world, petrol consumption is usually stated in Litern pro 100 Kilometer (l/100 km). In countries like the USA, Miles Per Gallon (MPG) is common.

Factors Influencing Consumption:

Driving style, speed, vehicle weight, tire pressure, air conditioning use, route profile (city/country/highway), and the vehicle's maintenance condition significantly impact actual petrol consumption.