Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fahrrad | /ˈfaːrˌra(ː)t/ /ˈfarat/ |
neuter |
| Velo | /ˈveːlo/ | Switzerland, neuter |
| Drahtesel | /ˈdʁaːtˌeːzəl/ /-ˌeːzl̩/ |
colloquial, masculine |
| Veloziped | dated, neuter |
Fahrrad is the most common and generic term for a bicycle in German. You may also encounter the English loanword Bike, which is sometimes used by younger generations or individuals influenced by English slang.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Fahrrad is a compound of fahren (to drive/ride) and Rad (wheel).
Which one should you use?
While Fahrrad is the full noun, Germans often use the shortened form Rad in casual speech to refer to a bicycle. For a more playful or humorous effect, you can use the term Drahtesel, which literally translates to wire donkey.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Rad is a shortened version of Fahrrad used in colloquial conversations. Drahtesel is a colloquial and humorous way to refer to a bicycle. Finally, Veloziped is a dated term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the standard term for a bicycle is Velo. In Bavaria and Austria, you may hear the term Radl.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Fahrrad and Velo are neuter nouns. Drahtesel is a masculine noun. If you want to express the action of riding a bicycle, you can use the verbs Rad fahren or radeln.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfaːrˌra(ː)t/
Did you know?
- In older German literature, calling a bicycle a Drahtesel was often a way to poke fun at the perceived absurdity of balancing on two wheels.
- The term Radl used in Bavaria and Austria adds a diminutive suffix -l, which expresses a sense of affection or coziness toward the vehicle.
- In Switzerland, Velo is so dominant that Fahrrad can sound overly formal or distinctly foreign to locals.
Examples in context
- Er hat ein Fahrrad.He has a bicycle.This sentence shows how to state that someone possesses a Fahrrad.Tatoeba #1521206 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #288172 by mamat
- Er hat kein Fahrrad.He hasn't got a bicycle.This sentence demonstrates how to use the negation with Fahrrad.Tatoeba #741254 by Manfredo, translation #395099 by sundown
- Hast du ein Fahrrad?Do you have a bicycle?This sentence shows how to ask a question regarding the possession of a Fahrrad.Tatoeba #1970038 by Esperantostern, translation #264497 by CK
- Hast du heute Lust auf eine Fahrradtour?Do you feel like going for a bike ride today?
- Alles Gute und viel Spaß beim Radfahren!Good luck and have fun biking!
- 535 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are in a bicycle shop.
- JuliaSuchst du ein Fahrrad?Are you looking for a bicycle?
- JulianJa, ich brauche ein neues Fahrrad.Yes, I need a new bicycle.
- JuliaDieses Fahrrad hier ist sehr gut.This bicycle here is very good.
- JulianStimmt, das Fahrrad gefällt mir.True, I like the bicycle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bicycle” translations and entries Fahrrad, Velo, Drahtesel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
