Panther video

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally posted by sapper740
Hey Alex, German nomenclature has always somewhat confused me...we equate "Panzer" as tank yet panzerkampfwagen translates as armoured fighting vehicle, no? So is the literal translation of "Panzer" tank or armour?
Secondly, all german vehicles, panzers included, had a SdKfz number also...Sonderkraftfahrzeug meaning Special purpose vehicle, right? So, do both wagen and fahrzeug mean vehicle? I can imagine it got rather wordy when the Heere discussed tanks, especially if they used all the "mits", "unds", and "aufs" in their despatches!
Maybe one of our German speaking members can clear this up for me.

Derek..
I learned my German in High school and practiced it in Germany,much to the grief of the poor German citizens of Lahr...
I remember buying a "Bulk Eraser"..an electro magnet for cleaning up 7" reel to reel tapes..
I went to the local electronics store and after finding out the German name for a bulk eraser,in my best German said....
"Haben sie ein Elektromagnethauptteilradiergummi,bitte...?"
The lad amost fell off his stool in shock and in better English than I speak said...."Oh you want a "Bulk eraser..."
If the Germans need a new word they just add more on to an old word or some other evil plan to keep the language a secret..from me any way..
It took me a week to learn that word and a lot of beer and practice..
(This word is not the right word but I forgotten the actual word...Probably Hanno or Jon could come up with a better defination of Panzer than I,but I'm pretty sure it means tank..at least and could mean other things..such as armour .,but I
I think that is different..rustung(With an umlaut over the U..)