der
Kombi
🚗 What exactly is a 'Kombi'?
The word der Kombi is a short form of Kombinationskraftwagen. It refers to a type of vehicle that combines the characteristics of a passenger car (Personenwagen or PKW) with those of a van (Lieferwagen). Typically, a Kombi has an extended roofline, a tailgate instead of a trunk lid, and often a third row of seats or a particularly large cargo area.
In general usage, it almost always refers to the car. The short form 'Kombi' for other types of combinations (Kombinationen) is very rare.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Devices → mostly masculine.
Caution: das Gerät
🧐 Grammar: 'Der Kombi' in Detail
The noun 'Kombi' is masculine, therefore it's der Kombi.
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der Kombi | ein Kombi |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des Kombis | eines Kombis |
| Dative (To whom/What?) | dem Kombi | einem Kombi |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den Kombi | einen Kombi |
Declension Plural
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Kombis | Kombis |
| Genitive | der Kombis | Kombis |
| Dative | den Kombis | Kombis |
| Accusative | die Kombis | Kombis |
📝 Example Sentences
- Nominative: Der Kombi steht in der Garage. (The station wagon is in the garage.)
- Genitive: Der Lack des Kombis glänzt in der Sonne. (The station wagon's paint is shining in the sun.)
- Dative: Ich habe dem Kombi neue Reifen spendiert. (I treated the station wagon to new tires.)
- Akkusativ: Wir kaufen uns einen neuen Kombi für die Familie. (We are buying a new station wagon for the family.)
- Plural: Viele Familien bevorzugen Kombis wegen des Platzangebots. (Many families prefer station wagons because of the space they offer.)
💡 How to use 'Kombi'?
The term der Kombi is primarily used in the context of cars. Here are typical situations:
- Family car: Station wagons (Kombis) are popular with families as they offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage. "Für den Urlaub mit den Kindern brauchen wir unbedingt einen Kombi." (For the vacation with the kids, we definitely need a station wagon.)
- Transport: Thanks to their large cargo space (Laderaum), Kombis are well-suited for transporting bulky items. "Ich habe den neuen Schrank mit dem Kombi abgeholt." (I picked up the new cupboard with the station wagon.)
- Differentiation: 'Kombi' is used to distinguish it from other car types like sedan (Limousine), SUV, or small car (Kleinwagen). "Ist das eine Limousine oder ein Kombi?" (Is that a sedan or a station wagon?)
In colloquial German, 'Kombi' is the standard term. The full name 'Kombinationskraftwagen' is almost never used.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of der Wagen (the car). A Kombi is a type of car, and 'Wagen' is masculine. Therefore: der Kombi.
Meaning Mnemonic: It kombines lots of space (like a van) with comfort (like a passenger car). It's a kombination!
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar words)
- Kombiwagen: Longer, slightly more formal term.
- Stationswagen: Older or imported term, less common. (Direct equivalent of 'station wagon')
- Familienauto: 'Family car'. Not strictly synonymous, but often implies a Kombi.
- Pampersbomber: (Slang, humorous) 'Diaper bomber', colloquial term for a typical family car (often a Kombi).
Antonyms (Opposites - other car types)
- Limousine: Sedan.
- Kleinwagen: Small car / compact car.
- Cabrio(let): Convertible.
- SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle): Often implies a more rugged look and higher seating position.
- Coupé: Sporty two-door car with a sloping roofline.
⚠️ Similar sounding words
Die Kombi: This usually refers to work overalls (Arbeitskombination) or sometimes a combination in sports (e.g., Nordische Kombination - Nordic Combined). Don't confuse it with the car!
😄 A little Joke
Warum nehmen Ameisen keinen Zucker mit in ihren Kombi?
Weil sie Angst vor Karies haben!
(Why don't ants take sugar into their station wagon? Because they are afraid of 'caries' (cavities)! - It's a pun on 'Karies' sounding a bit like 'car'/'Kombi')
📜 A Poem about the 'Kombi'
Der Kombi, treu und breit,
(The Kombi, loyal and wide,)
Steht für die Reise stets bereit.
(Is always ready for the ride.)
Mit Platz für Kind und Kegel,
(With space for kith and kin,)
Ist er im Alltag eine Regel.
(It's a daily rule within.)
Ob Urlaub, Einkauf, großer Kram,
(Be it vacation, shopping, bulky gear,)
Er schultert alles, zahm und lahm?
(It shoulders all, tame and drear?)
Nein, oft mit Power unter'm Blech,
(No, often with power beneath the hood,)
Vergisst man schnell das Alltagspech.
(You quickly forget the daily mood.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe Türen wie ein Haus,
(I have doors like a house,)
Und hinten passt viel rein, Applaus!
(And much fits in the back, applause!)
Mein Dach ist lang, mein Heck ist steil,
(My roof is long, my rear is steep,)
Familien lieben mich zum Teil.
(Families love me, secrets to keep.)
Ich bin kein Laster, kein Coupé,
(I'm not a truck, no Coupé,)
Sag schnell, wie heiß ich, juche!
(Tell me my name quickly, hooray!)
(Solution: Der Kombi / The station wagon)
ℹ️ Trivia
Word Origin: 'Kombi' is the abbreviation of Kombinationskraftwagen. This term describes the vehicle's function as a combination (Kombination) of passenger and cargo transport.
International Names: What is called 'Kombi' in Germany is often known as 'Estate Car' in the UK, 'Station Wagon' in the USA, and 'Break' in France.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kombi?
The word 'Kombi' is masculine. So the correct form is always der Kombi, with the plural being 'die Kombis'. It refers to a type of car (station wagon).