Planierraupe
/plaˈniːɐˌʁaʊpə/feminine
The English word 'bulldozer' is translated into German as Planierraupe or Bulldozer.
Meaning: tractor (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Planierraupe | /plaˈniːɐˌʁaʊpə/ | feminine |
| Bulldozer | /ˈbʊlˌdoːzɐ/ | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word Planierraupe is a compound noun. It combines planieren (to level or smooth) and Raupe (caterpillar or tracked vehicle).
Which one should you use?
Planierraupe is the standard, more formal German term used in technical or official contexts. Bulldozer is a loanword from English used to describe the same vehicle.
How does it change in a sentence?
Planierraupe is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Planierraupen. Bulldozer is a masculine noun. Its plural form is also Bulldozer and does not take an -s ending.
How do you pronounce it?
/plaˈniːɐˌʁaʊpə/
Did you know?
- The verb planieren used in the name of the machine is also used in German sports commentary to describe a team being completely crushed or flattened.
- The word Raupe in Planierraupe literally means 'caterpillar' in German, referring to the insect. This describes the continuous track of the vehicle, which looks like the movement of a larva.
- Despite referring to the same machine, Planierraupe and Bulldozer have different grammatical genders, meaning the articles die and der are not interchangeable here.
Examples in context
- Eine Planierraupe wurde eingesetzt, um den Weg zu ebnen.A bulldozer was used to level the way.This sentence shows the use of Planierraupe in a context regarding leveling a path.Tatoeba #6378294 by KonstantinLukas, translation #10275330 by sundown
- Die Planierraupe fuhr gegen den Beton und vernichtete alles, was ihr im Wege stand.The bulldozer smashed into the concrete, obliterating everything in its path.This sentence demonstrates how Planierraupe is used when describing the machine's movement and impact.Tatoeba #6393232 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6393224 by npvojtik
- Hast du gesehen, wie der Bulldozer den Hügel abgetragen hat? Das war beeindruckend!Did you see how the bulldozer cleared the hill? That was impressive!
- Die gelbe Planierraupe arbeitet auf der Baustelle.The yellow bulldozer is working on the construction site.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are looking at a construction site.
- LauraSchau mal, dort vorne steht eine Planierraupe.Look, there is a bulldozer over there.
- FelixWow, das ist ein riesiges Teil!Wow, that is a huge piece of machinery!
- LauraIch frage mich, wer sie steuert.I wonder who is operating it.
- FelixWahrscheinlich ein erfahrener Bauarbeiter.Probably an experienced construction worker.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bulldozer” translations and entries Planierraupe, Bulldozer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
