Learn the lingo
If you broke down in France would you know the difference between your embrayage and your échappement? The answer is probably no, because one of the worst things about having vehicle problems abroad is the language barrier. Thankfully, the team at Green Flag can talk to our European agents in a host of languages, so you don't have to, but in a breakdown situation, a few local words might help.
Vehicle parts:
| English |
French |
German |
Italian |
| Accelerator cable |
Cable d'embrayage |
Kupplungskabel |
Cavo della frizzione |
| Accident |
Accident |
Unfall |
Incidente |
| Battery |
Freins avant / arriere |
Bremsen vorne / hinter |
Freni davanti / posteriore |
| Brakes front/rear |
Freins avant / arriere |
Bremsen vorne / hinter |
Freni davanti / posteriore |
| Breakdown |
Panne |
Panne |
Guasto |
| Carburettor |
Carburateur |
Vergaser |
Carburatore |
| Clutch |
Embrayage |
Kupplung |
Frizzione |
| Engine |
Moteur |
Motor |
Motore |
| Exhaust |
Échappement |
Auspuff |
Tubo di scappamento |
| Fuse |
Fusible |
Sicherung |
Valvola fusibile |
| Gearbox |
Bôite de vitesse |
Getriebe-kasten |
Cambio de velocità |
| Headlamp |
Phare |
Scheinwerfer |
Faro |
| Ignition |
Allumage |
Zündung |
Accensione |
| Mechanic |
Mécanicien |
Mechaniker |
Meccanico |
| Oil leak |
Fuite d'huile |
Överlust |
Perdita d'olio |
| Puncture |
Crevaison |
Reifenpanne |
Pressione |
| Radiator |
Radiateur |
Kühler |
Radiatore |
| Starter Motor |
Demarreur |
Anlasser |
Motorino d'aviamento |
| Tyre |
Pneu |
Reifen |
Pneumatico |
| Windscreen wiper |
Essuie-glaces |
Scheibenwischer |
Tergi cristallo |
Sign translations
| French |
English |
| Allumez vos lanternes |
Switch on your lights |
| Attention au feu |
Fire hazard |
| Attention Travaux |
Roadworks |
| Chaussee deformee |
Uneven surface |
| Fin d'interdiction de Stationner |
End of no parking |
| Gravillons |
Loose chippings |
| Interdit aux Pietons |
No pedestrians |
| Rappel |
Repeat of sign |
| Route Barree |
Road closed |
| German |
English |
| Umleitung |
Diversion |
| Strassenschaden |
Road damage |
| Pollsplitt |
Loose chippings |
| Dadweg Kreuzt |
Cycle crossing |
| Fahbahnwechsel |
Change traffic lane |
| Einbahnstrasse |
One-way street |
| Autobahnkreuz |
Motorway junction |
| Italian |
English |
| Attenzione/Avviso |
Warning |
| Entrata |
Entrance |
| Incrocio |
Crossroads |
| Lavori in corso |
Roadworks ahead |
| Strada chiusa |
Road closed |
| Passaggio a Livello |
Level crossing |
| Rallentare |
Slow down |
| Senso Vietata/Vietato |
No entry |
| L'accesso |
No entry for vehicles |
| Vietato Ingresso Veicoli |
Parking prohibited |
| Sosta Autorizzata |
No parking |
| Sosta Vietata |
Bend |
| Svolta/Curve |
Exit |
| Uscita |
Closed to HGVs |
| Vietato Transito Autocarri |
All directions |
Next: Green Flag's country-by-country guide to Euro driving rules
