21 December 2025
How to Say Motor in German - And Use It Right
Engines are everywhere - in cars, boats, robots, and even idioms. Learning how to say motor in German gives you language you’ll use when traveling, tinkering, or simply describing how things work.
The German word is der Motor. It’s masculine, and the plural is die Motoren. If you’re still figuring out articles like der, my gender video lesson will give you a clear, fast explanation.
Motor is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and you’ll see it everywhere - from traffic signs to sci-fi movies.
All four cases, made simple:
Nominative:Der Motor ist kaputt.The motor is broken.
Accusative:Wir reparieren den Motor.We’re fixing the motor.
Dative:Mit dem Motor stimmt etwas nicht.Something’s wrong with the engine.
Genitive:Die Leistung des Motors ist beeindruckend.The power of the motor is impressive.
Common expressions with Motor:
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den Motor starten - to start the engine
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ein starker Motor - a powerful engine
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der Elektromotor - electric motor
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der Verbrennungsmotor - combustion engine
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Motorprobleme haben - to have engine trouble
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der Motor läuft rund - the engine is running smoothly
Verbs: starten, laufen, ausgehen (cut out), reparieren, überhitzen (overheat)Adjectives: laut, schnell, neu, defekt, stark, klein
You’ll use this word in everyday conversations about cars, appliances, tools - and even people (“Er ist der Motor des Projekts”).
Beginner dialogue using Motor:
A: Was ist los mit dem Auto?B: Der Motor springt nicht an.A: What’s wrong with the car?B: The motor won’t start.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Motor.
“Welcher Motor war der stärkste, den du je gesehen hast - und wo war das?”What was the strongest motor you ever saw - and where was it?
Say your answer out loud using Motor - it’s how passive vocab becomes active skill.
German Word of the DayNow you know how to say motor in German - and how der Motor powers up your vocabulary for machines, motion, and mechanics.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to get practical vocab that runs smoothly.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?Check out Morgen - and talk fluently about time, greetings, and plans.Or revisit Müll - and describe daily habits, recycling, and routine in clear German.
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