noun
breakdown
B1
Panne: feminine noun meaning 'breakdown' or 'fault', often a vehicle breakdown or technical failure. Common in phrases like Autopanne (car breakdown). Gender: die Panne; plural Pannen. Regular declension. Used for minor mishaps, malfunctions or sudden stops in operation; no special prepositions required.
Examples
Wir hatten eine Panne auf der Autobahn und mussten den ADAC rufen.
We had a breakdown on the highway and had to call ADAC.
Wir hatten eine Panne auf der Autobahn.
We had a breakdown on the highway.
Auf der Autobahn gab es eine Panne, sodass der Fahrer das Auto nicht mehr bewegen konnte.
There was a breakdown on the highway, so the driver could no longer move the car.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a car with smoke and a 'panne' sign — a clear breakdown image.
Imagine a woman (die) saying 'Oh no, die Panne!' — link the female image to 'die'.
Notes
Commonly used for car breakdowns or technical malfunctions (eine Panne).