Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Federung | feminine | |
| Aufhängung | /ˈʔaʊfˌhɛŋʊŋ/ | feminine |
In a technical or automotive context, Federung refers to the system of springs and shock absorbers. If you are speaking about the entire chassis and suspension assembly in a common, general way, the word Fahrwerk is frequently used. In professional or technical settings, the English loanword 'Suspension' can also be used directly.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to the vehicle, there is a technical distinction: Federung refers specifically to the spring-based damping mechanism, whereas Aufhängung refers to the mechanical arrangement or the way components are mounted and suspended.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Aufhängung and Federung are feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- The word Federung comes from the same root as the English word 'feather', because both relate to the lightness or springy quality of a movement.
- In a legal or employment context, the English word 'suspension' is never translated as Federung, but instead as Suspendierung or Aussetzung.
- The term Federung can also be used metaphorically in German to describe a 'buffer' or a way to absorb emotional or social shocks in a situation.
Examples in context
- Ein Renault 6 benutzt keine Spiralfedern oder Blattfedern. Er hat Drehstäbe in der Federung.A Renault 6 doesn't use coil springs or leaf springs. It uses torsion bars in the suspension.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of Federung in a technical context regarding torsion bars.Tatoeba #11780428 by Yorwba, translation #2428544 by MethodGT
- Die Aussetzung des Projekts wurde beschlossenThe suspension of the project was decided
- Die Suspendierung des Mitarbeiters war eine Konsequenz seines FehlverhaltensThe suspension of the employee was a consequence of his misconduct
- Wir machen eine Pause von der RenovierungWe're taking a break from the renovation
- Wir setzen das Projekt vorübergehend ausWe are temporarily suspending the project
- Die Suspension des Schülers wird bis zur Klärung des Vorfalls aufrechterhaltenThe suspension of the student will be upheld until the incident is clarified
- Wir müssen das Projekt vorerst aussetzen, da uns die Ressourcen fehlenWe need to suspend the project for now as we lack the resources
- Die Suspendierung des Spielers wegen unsportlichen Verhaltens sorgte für KontroversenThe suspension of the player due to unsportsmanlike behavior sparked controversy
- Die Federung des Autos ist sehr komfortabel.The car's suspension is very comfortable.
- Bei diesem Modell ist die Federung etwas hart.In this model, the suspension is a bit stiff.
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are looking at a car in a garage.
- LauraDie Federung wirkt an diesem Wagen ziemlich alt.The suspension on this car seems quite old.
- MaximilianJa, das merkt man beim Fahren sofort.Yes, you notice that immediately when driving.
- LauraSollten wir die Federung komplett austauschen?Should we replace the suspension completely?
- MaximilianIch glaube, das ist die beste Lösung.I think that is the best solution.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “suspension” translations and entries Federung, Aufhängung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.