Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Krankenwagen | [ˈkʁaŋkn̩ˌvaːɡn̩] (narrow) | masculine |
| Ambulanz | /ambuˈlant͡s/ | feminine |
| Notarztwagen | masculine | |
| Rettung | /ˈʁɛtʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Rettungsauto | neuter | |
| Rettungswagen | masculine | |
| Sanitätswagen | /zaniˈtɛːt͡sˌvaːɡn̩/ | masculine |
| Sanka | masculine |
In German, several terms are used to describe an ambulance or emergency vehicles depending on the level of medical care provided and the context. While Krankenwagen is common, the technical term used by emergency services is often Rettungswagen, which translates to 'rescue vehicle'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Krankenwagen is a compound of Kranken (sick people) and Wagen (vehicle or car).
Which one should you use?
For more specialized vehicles, Notarztwagen refers specifically to an emergency doctor vehicle that carries a physician (Notarzt) for critical emergencies, whereas a standard Krankenwagen might only carry paramedics. The term Rettungswagen is a formal way to describe a rescue vehicle. Sanka is a masculine form, and Sanitätswagen is another masculine term for a medical vehicle. Rettung is a feminine noun, and Rettungsauto is a neuter alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
Krankenwagen is a masculine noun. Ambulanz is feminine. Rettung is feminine. Rettungsauto is neuter. Rettungswagen and Sanitätswagen and Sanka are masculine.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use Ambulanz when you mean the vehicle. In German, Ambulanz often refers to an outpatient clinic or an infirmary rather than the vehicle itself.
Did you know?
- The term Sanka is a common piece of jargon used by medical professionals and emergency responders that you won't find in a standard dictionary.
- In many German cities, the Rettungsdienst (rescue service) is managed by non-profit organizations like the Red Cross rather than just the city government.
- The word Wagen in Krankenwagen is a cognate of the English word 'wagon', reflecting the historical transition from horse-drawn carriages to motorized vehicles.
Examples in context
- Der Krankenwagen ist da.The ambulance has arrived.This sentence shows the arrival of a Krankenwagen.Tatoeba #10668295 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10498506 by sundown
- Tom rief einen Krankenwagen.Tom called for an ambulance.This sentence describes the action of calling for a Krankenwagen.Tatoeba #7448745 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5740537 by CM
- Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen.Call an ambulance.This sentence is an instruction to call a Krankenwagen.Tatoeba #1341375 by Zaghawa, translation #19587 by CK
- Bitte rufen Sie einen Rettungswagen!Please call an ambulance!
- Es gibt einen Unfall! Bitte schicken Sie einen Krankenwagen!There's an accident! Please send an ambulance!
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are standing on a street corner near an accident.
- MaximilianJulia, ruf bitte einen Krankenwagen!Julia, please call an ambulance!
- JuliaIch mache das sofort, Maximilian.I am doing that immediately, Maximilian.
- MaximilianDer Krankenwagen ist leider noch nicht da.Unfortunately, the ambulance is not here yet.
- JuliaKeine Sorge, er kommt bestimmt bald.Don't worry, it will certainly come soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ambulance” translations and entries Krankenwagen, Ambulanz, Rettung, Rettungswagen, Sanitätswagen, Sanka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
