Erntemaschine
The English word 'harvester' is translated into German as Erntemaschine.
The term refers to a machine used for harvesting crops.
Meaning: machine that harvests (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Ernte (harvest) and Maschine (machine), literally meaning 'harvest machine'.
Which one should you use?
While Erntemaschine is a general term for a harvesting machine, the word Mähdrescher is a more specific and common term used specifically for a combine harvester used for grain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it takes the definite article die (die Erntemaschine). The plural form of Erntemaschine is Erntemaschinen.
Did you know?
- Because German allows for nearly infinite compound nouns, a specialized harvester for grapes is called a Weintraubenerntemaschine, stringing four distinct concepts into one single word.
- When referring to grape harvesters, German often switches from the root Ernte (harvest) to Lese (picking/gathering) to distinguish the action from field crop harvesting.
- German has a specific verb ernten that is used both for the physical act of using an Erntemaschine and metaphorically for reaping the rewards of hard work, similar to 'reaping' in English.
Examples in context
- Hast du den neuen Mähdrescher gesehen?Have you seen the new harvester?
- Die Erntemaschine ist sehr groß.The harvester is very large.
- Wir brauchen eine neue Erntemaschine.We need a new harvester.
- Der Bauer repariert die Erntemaschine.The farmer is repairing the harvester.
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are looking at a farm from a distance.
- LukasSchau mal, dort fährt eine Erntemaschine.Look, there goes a harvester.
- JuliaIst das die Maschine von deinem Onkel?Is that your uncle's machine?
- LukasJa, er nutzt diese Erntemaschine jedes Jahr.Yes, he uses this harvester every year.
- JuliaSie sieht wirklich sehr modern aus.It looks really modern.
