Whether you're talking about summer adventures, traffic, or dreams of freedom, the word motorcycle adds energy and motion to your German. Knowing how to say motorcycle in German helps you understand headlines, small talk, and even police reports.

The German word is das Motorrad. It’s neuter, and the plural is die Motorräder, with an umlaut and the –er plural ending. If you're not sure about articles, check out my gender video lesson for a quick and clear explanation.

Motorrad is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German — especially useful in everyday descriptions, travel stories, or weekend plans.

Quick case examples:

Nominative:
Das Motorrad ist schnell.
The motorcycle is fast.

Accusative:
Ich sehe das Motorrad auf der Straße.
I see the motorcycle on the street.

Dative:
Er fährt mit dem Motorrad zur Arbeit.
He rides the motorcycle to work.

Genitive:
Der Sound des Motorrads ist laut.
The sound of the motorcycle is loud.

Motorrad appears in lots of practical and high-energy expressions:

• Motorrad fahren – to ride a motorcycle

• mit dem Motorrad unterwegs sein – to be out and about on a motorcycle

• ein neues Motorrad kaufen – to buy a new motorcycle

• der Motorradhelm – motorcycle helmet

• die Motorradtour – motorcycle tour

Verbs: fahren (ride/drive), sehen (see), kaufen (buy), starten, besitzen (own)
Adjectives: schnell (fast), laut, teuer (expensive), gebraucht (used), modern

Even if you don't ride one yourself, this word is useful in small talk, descriptions, and public safety vocab.

Beginner dialogue using Motorrad:

A: Hast du ein Motorrad?
B: Nein, aber ich möchte eins kaufen.
A: Do you have a motorcycle?
B: No, but I want to buy one.

Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Motorrad.

“Würdest du gern ein Motorrad fahren — und wohin würdest du fahren?”
Would you like to ride a motorcycle — and where would you go?

Say it out loud — the key is to use Motorrad in your answer to help the word stick.

Duden entry for “Motorrad”

German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say motorcycle in German — and how das Motorrad gives you the vocabulary to talk about speed, travel, and everyday life in motion.

Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to keep your vocabulary journey rolling.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Munition — and learn how to handle tense topics with clarity.
Or revisit Museum — and describe culture, learning, and travel in fluent German.