German Phrase
Ich brauch 'nen Abschleppwagen. Mein Auto springt nicht an.
Meaning
The speaker is saying they need a tow truck because their car refuses to start. It conveys a sudden, urgent problem with the vehicle.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are stranded on the road or in a parking lot and need roadside assistance. It’s common in informal conversation with friends, a mechanic, or a roadside‑assistance service.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ichbrauch'nenAbschleppwagen.MeinAutospringtnichtan.
Verb conjugation (ich‑Form)
‘brauch’ is the colloquial short form of ‘brauche’; both are correct in spoken German.
Contraction ‘’nen’
‘’nen’ is the spoken contraction of the accusative masculine ‘einen’, used before masculine nouns like ‘Abschleppwagen’.
Verb ‘abschleppen’
‘Abschleppwagen’ literally means ‘towing truck’; it comes from the verb ‘abschleppen’ (to tow).
Phrasal verb ‘nicht an‑springen’
‘nicht an‑springen’ is an idiomatic way to say a vehicle won’t start; the verb ‘springen’ is used figuratively.
🗨In Conversation
Ich brauch 'nen Abschleppwagen. Mein Auto springt nicht an.
I need a tow truck. My car won’t start.
Kein Problem, ich rufe den Pannendienst.
No problem, I’ll call the breakdown service.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich brauche einen Abschleppwagen.
‘brauche’ is grammatically correct but sounds formal; learners often over‑formalise in casual speech.
Ich brauch einen Abschleppwagen.
In spoken German the contraction ‘’nen’ is preferred; using the full form can sound stiff in informal contexts.
Mein Auto startet nicht.
‘startet nicht’ is correct, but the idiomatic phrase ‘springt nicht an’ is more natural when talking about a car that won’t start.
↔Alternatives
Ich benötige einen Abschleppwagen. Mein Auto lässt sich nicht starten.
I need a tow truck. My car won’t start.
Mein Wagen springt nicht an, ich muss einen Abschleppdienst rufen.
My car won’t start, I have to call a tow service.
Können Sie mir einen Abschleppwagen schicken? Mein Auto startet nicht.
Can you send me a tow truck? My car won’t start.
Cultural Tip
In Germany the most common roadside‑assistance provider is ADAC. When you call for help, give the exact location, the make of the car and the problem (e.g., ‘springt nicht an’). Using the informal contraction ‘’nen’ is fine with friends or in casual settings, but in a call to a service you’d use the full form ‘einen’.