Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Schaltgetriebe | neuter |
| Handschaltung | feminine |
| manuelles Getriebe | neuter |
| herkömliches Getriebe | neuter |
German uses several terms to describe a manual transmission depending on whether you are focusing on the mechanical component, the act of shifting or a conventional system. Schaltgetriebe is the standard technical term, while Handschaltung often refers to the manual shifting process or the manual control system itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schaltgetriebe is a compound noun made of schalten (to shift or switch) and Getriebe (transmission or gearing).
Which one should you use?
Schaltgetriebe is the standard technical term used to distinguish a manual transmission from an Automatikgetriebe (automatic transmission). Handschaltung is used more to describe the manual shifting aspect, while manuelles Getriebe and herkömliches Getriebe (conventional transmission) also describe the same concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Schaltgetriebe is neuter. The spelling of Schaltgetriebe does not change in its plural form.
Did you know?
- In German, the term schalten used in Schaltgetriebe is also the word used for 'switching' an electrical circuit or 'switching' a television channel.
- German uses the word schalten for shifting gears, but when describing the physical act of 'shifting' into a specific gear, the phrase einen Gang einlegen (to insert a gear) is commonly used.
- The word Getriebe comes from the verb treiben, which means 'to drive', 'to push' or 'to propel'.
Examples in context
- Können Sie mit Schaltgetriebe fahren?Can you drive a manual transmission?This sentence is useful for asking if someone can drive a manual transmission using Schaltgetriebe.Tatoeba #1109023 by jast, translation #601741 by CK
- Kannst du ein Auto mit Schaltgetriebe fahren?Can you drive a car with manual transmission?Tatoeba #1471415 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1471425 by rul
- Ich fahre ein Fahrzeug mit manueller Schaltung.I drive a vehicle with a manual transmission.
- Das Auto hat ein Schaltgetriebe.The car has a manual transmission.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are at a car dealership.
- MaximilianHat dieser Wagen ein Schaltgetriebe?Does this car have a manual transmission?
- JuliaNein, er hat ein Automatikgetriebe.No, it has an automatic transmission.
- MaximilianIch bevorzuge ein Schaltgetriebe.I prefer a manual transmission.
- JuliaDann schauen wir uns andere Autos an.Then let's look at other cars.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manual transmission” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Getriebe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
