Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fahrrad | /ˈfaːrˌra(ː)t/ /ˈfarat/ |
neuter |
| Drahtesel | /ˈdʁaːtˌeːzəl/ /-ˌeːzl̩/ |
colloquial |
| Rad | /ʁaːt/ /ʁat/ |
neuter |
| Velo | /ˈveːlo/ | Switzerland, neuter |
The neuter noun Fahrrad is used to refer to a bicycle. You can also use the term Rad as a shorthand for a bicycle, though it literally refers to a wheel. If you want to describe the action of riding a bike, you can use the verb phrase Rad fahren or the informal verb radeln.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Fahrrad is a compound noun consisting of fahren, meaning to drive or ride and Rad, meaning wheel.
Which one should you use?
While Fahrrad is the standard term, Rad is frequently used in spoken German as a shortened version. For a more playful or humorous tone, you might encounter the term Drahtesel.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
radeln is an informal verb used to mean cycling or pedaling. Drahtesel is a colloquial and humorous term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the standard term for a bicycle is Velo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase Rad fahren to mean riding a bike, the noun Rad often appears without an article in common constructions.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfaːrˌra(ː)t/
Did you know?
- The humorous term Drahtesel literally translates to 'wire donkey', personifying the bicycle as a stubborn beast of burden made of metal.
- In Switzerland, the term Velo is used instead of Fahrrad because it was borrowed from the French word vélo.
- The word Velo is actually a shortened version of the much longer term Veloziped.
Examples in context
- Sie hat ein Rad.She has a bike.This sentence shows the use of Rad to indicate possession.Tatoeba #3270526 by Trinkschokolade, translation #1548367 by CM
- Tom fiel vom Rad.Tom fell from his bike.This sentence uses Rad to describe falling from a bike.Tatoeba #7335635 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5370423 by Hybrid
- Sie stieg vom Rad.She got off her bike.This sentence uses Rad to describe getting off a bike.Tatoeba #8846344 by wolfgangth, translation #7385072 by CH
- Möchten Sie mit dem Fahrrad fahren?Would you like to ride the bike?
- Lass uns heute mit dem Rad zum See fahren!Let's ride our bikes to the lake today!
- Komm, wir fahren mit dem Velo zur Wiese.Come on, let's ride our bikes to the meadow.
- 503 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are talking in a park.
- SarahIst das dein neues Fahrrad?Is that your new bike?
- FelixJa, es ist ein sehr schönes Fahrrad.Yes, it is a very beautiful bike.
- SarahKann ich mal auf dem Fahrrad fahren?Can I try riding the bike?
- FelixNatürlich, probier es einfach aus!Of course, just try it out!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bike” translations and entries Fahrrad, Drahtesel, Rad, Velo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Drahtesel, Fahrrad, Rad, Velo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
