der  Gebrauchtwagen

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈbʁaʊ̯xtˌvaːɡn̩/

🚗 What does "Gebrauchtwagen" mean?

A Gebrauchtwagen is a used motor vehicle, typically a car (PKW - Personenkraftwagen), that has had one or more previous owners and is being offered for sale again. It's the opposite of a Neuwagen (new car).

The word is a compound noun made up of:

• gebraucht: adjective meaning "used", "not new"
• Wagen: noun meaning "car", "vehicle" (masculine, der Wagen)

Because the base noun Wagen is masculine, Gebrauchtwagen is also masculine: der Gebrauchtwagen.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Gebrauchtwagen

The noun "Gebrauchtwagen" is masculine (*maskulin*). Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Er sucht einen günstigen Gebrauchtwagen.
   He is looking for a cheap used car.
2. Der Wert des Gebrauchtwagens ist schwer einzuschätzen.
   The value of the used car is hard to estimate.
3. Viele Händler bieten gute Gebrauchtwagen an.
   Many dealers offer good used cars.
4. Mit dem Gebrauchtwagen hatte sie bisher keine Probleme.
   She hasn't had any problems with the used car so far.

💡 Everyday Usage

"Gebrauchtwagen" is the standard German term for a second-hand car or used car. You'll frequently encounter it in:

• Classified ads (online and in newspapers)
• At car dealerships (Gebrauchtwagenhändler - used car dealers)
• In discussions about buying or selling cars
• Referring to the Gebrauchtwagenmarkt (used car market)

In contrast to a Neuwagen (new car), which comes directly from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer and has had no previous owners, a Gebrauchtwagen is often a more affordable alternative.

A special type is the Jahreswagen, which literally means "year car". It's a nearly new used car, typically only a few months old, often previously driven by employees of the car manufacturer.

⚠️ Caution: The condition of a Gebrauchtwagen can vary greatly. A thorough inspection before buying is crucial!

🧠 Mnemonics for Gebrauchtwagen

Article Mnemonic: Remember the base word "der Wagen" (the car/wagon). Since "Wagen" is masculine, the compound word "Gebrauchtwagen" inherits the masculine article der. Think of a *guy* (masculine) driving his old *wagon*.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word "gebraucht" means used. You can almost hear the English "used" in "ge-braucht". So, a "Gebraucht-Wagen" is a used car.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Vorführwagen: (Demonstration car) A new car used by the dealership for test drives. Legally often still considered new, but sold at a discount.
• Oldtimer: (Classic car / vintage car) A very old car (usually > 30 years), often a collector's item.

😄 A Little Joke

Deutsch:

Kunde zum Gebrauchtwagenhändler: "Ist dieses Auto unfallfrei?"
Händler: "Absolut! Es hatte nur einen kleinen Parkrempler – mit einer Hauswand."

English Translation:

Customer to the used car dealer: "Is this car accident-free?"
Dealer: "Absolutely! It just had a minor parking bump – with the side of a house."

📜 A Poem about the Gebrauchtwagen

Deutsch:

Der Lack nicht neu, die Meilen viel,
doch bringt er dich stets an dein Ziel.
Ein Preis, der lockt, ein Motor brummt,
Geschichte hat er, die nicht verstummt.
Der Gebrauchtwagen, klug gewählt,
hat schon manchem viel erzählt.

English Translation:

The paint not new, the miles are high,
But still it gets you where you fly.
A price that tempts, an engine's hum,
A history that's never numb.
The used car, chosen smart and keen,
Has many stories it has seen.

❓ A Little Riddle

Deutsch:

Ich bin kein Neuwagen, das ist klar,
hatte Besitzer, Jahr für Jahr.
Man prüft mich gut, bevor man zahlt,
mein Preis ist meistens nicht gemalt
in höchsten Höhen. Wer bin ich wohl?
Ein treues Fahrzeug, oft ein Idol?

Auflösung: Der Gebrauchtwagen

English Translation:

I am no new car, that is clear,
Had owners, year after year.
One checks me well before one pays,
My price is mostly not ablaze
In highest heights. Who might I be?
A loyal vehicle, often key?

Solution: The Used Car (der Gebrauchtwagen)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition

As mentioned, "Gebrauchtwagen" is a compound noun (Kompositum) formed from:

• gebraucht (past participle of 'brauchen' - to need/use, used here adjectivally meaning 'used')
• der Wagen (masculine noun for 'car' or 'wagon')

The grammatical gender is determined by the final noun component, "Wagen", which is masculine (*der*).

The German Used Car Market

Germany has one of the largest used car markets (Gebrauchtwagenmärkte) in Europe. Millions of used vehicles change hands every year. Organizations like the ADAC (German Automobile Club) often provide checklists and advice for buyers.