Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| LKW | /ˈɛlkaˌveː/ /ˌɛlkaˈveː/ (uncommon) |
masculine |
| Lastwagen | masculine | |
| Lastkraftwagen | /ˈlastkʁaftvaːɡən/ | formal, masculine |
| Laster | /ˈlastɐ/ | informal, masculine |
| Brummi | /ˈbʁʊmi/ | masculine |
All forms of the word refer to a heavier motor vehicle designed to carry goods.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Lastwagen is a compound of Last (load or burden) and Wagen (vehicle). The more formal term Lastkraftwagen is a compound of Last (load), Kraft (power or force) and Wagen (vehicle).
Which one should you use?
While Lastkraftwagen is the full, formal term, the abbreviation LKW is used much more frequently in everyday speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Lastkraftwagen is the most common formal term. LKW is an abbreviation used widely in both formal and everyday contexts. For informal situations, you can use Laster, which is a popular term for a truck. Brummi is a colloquial term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Brummi is a colloquial term often used in southern regions and among truck drivers.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of this word are masculine. To express the action of driving a truck, you can use (mit dem Lastwagen) fahren or (im LKW) transportieren.
How do you pronounce it?
LKW is pronounced /ˈɛlkaˌveː/.
When do people say it?
The colloquial term Brummi is often used to mimic the low humming or rumbling sound of the vehicle's engine.
Did you know?
- The word Laster has two separate origins: one from 'to load' and another from an ancient root meaning 'to blame' or 'reproach'.
- In Germany, there is a specific subculture of 'truck stops' known as Autohöfe that provide specialized services for LKW drivers.
- The word Last is used in German to describe a physical load, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe a mental or emotional 'burden'.
Examples in context
- Ich habe einen LKW.I have a truck.This sentence is useful for stating possession of an LKW.Tatoeba #1495991 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1495907 by CK
- Der LKW gehört ihm.He owns that truck.This sentence is useful for indicating ownership of an LKW.Tatoeba #12688824 by Waldelfe, translation #8783162 by Amastan
- Tom belädt den LKW.Tom is loading the truck.This sentence is useful for describing the action of loading an LKW.Tatoeba #13014954 by Waldelfe, translation #13005135 by CK
- Der Lastkraftwagen ist ein unverzichtbares Transportmittel in der heutigen Wirtschaft.The truck is an indispensable means of transportation in today's economy.
- 184 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are standing by the road watching traffic.
- FelixSchau mal, da kommt ein großer LKW!Look, a big truck is coming!
- JuliaJa, er blockiert fast die ganze Straße.Yes, it's blocking almost the whole road.
- FelixIch glaube, der LKW ist sehr schwer.I think the truck is very heavy.
- JuliaDas stimmt, er transportiert viele Waren.That's true, it's transporting many goods.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “truck” translations and entries LKW, Lastwagen, Lastkraftwagen, Laster, Brummi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Laster, Lastwagen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
