01
die Armada
armada
A large fleet of warships. The term is often used historically for the Spanish war fleet of 1588.
example
Die spanische Armada segelte 1588 aus, um England zu erobern.
The Spanish Armada set sail in 1588 to conquer England.
die Armada
armada
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Armada' is a loanword from Spanish, where it literally means 'the armed one' and refers to a war fleet. This origin explains its main historical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte der spanischen Armada ist in ganz Europa bekannt.
The history of the Spanish Armada is known throughout Europe.
Historical context
In its historical meaning, 'die Armada' (the armada) almost always refers to the Spanish war fleet of 1588. The combination 'die spanische Armada' (the Spanish Armada) is often used directly.
EXAMPLE
Der Untergang der spanischen Armada hatte weitreichende politische Folgen.
The sinking of the Spanish Armada had far-reaching political consequences.
Usage pattern
In its figurative meaning, 'Armada' (armada) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' (of) and a plural noun. The structure is: 'eine Armada von ...' (an armada of ...).
EXAMPLE
Am Morgen rollte eine Armada von Lastwagen durch die Stadt.
In the morning, an armada of trucks rolled through the city.
Figurative language
The figurative use of 'Armada' (armada) creates a strong image of a huge, almost overwhelming quantity. It is often used in journalism or literature for dramatic effect.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Konzert wartete eine Armada von Fans auf Einlass.
Before the concert, an armada of fans waited to be let in.
Compare with
Armada vs Vielzahl
multitude
'die Vielzahl' and 'die Armada' can both refer to a very large number. 'Vielzahl' is neutral and factual, and fits many different things or people. 'Armada' is more vivid and stronger. In a figurative sense, it means a large group of similar things or people that often appear or move together. 'Eine Vielzahl von Fragen' (a large number of questions) sounds normal and factual. 'Eine Armada von Autos' (an armada of cars) sounds more striking and describes a stronger impression.
Armada
Wegen des Festivals kam eine Armada von Bussen in die Stadt.
Because of the festival, an armada of buses came into the city.
Vielzahl
In der Werkstatt findest du eine Vielzahl von Werkzeugen für kleine Reparaturen.
In the workshop, you will find a wide variety of tools for small repairs.
In real life
Loading video examples...