der Dampfer
steamer
A large ship powered by a steam engine.
EXAMPLE
Früher überquerten große Dampfer den Atlantik in wenigen Wochen.
In the past, large steamers crossed the Atlantic in just a few weeks.
der Dampfer
steamer / vaper
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Meanings
der Dampfer
vaper
A colloquial term for a person who uses an e-cigarette, i.e. who vapes.
EXAMPLE
Seit er Nichtraucher ist, ist er zum überzeugten Dampfer geworden.
Since he quit smoking, he has become a committed vaper.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'dampfen' (to steam/vape). The ending '-er' can refer both to a machine that produces steam (the steamship) and to a person who vapes (an e-cigarette user).
EXAMPLE
Der alte Raddampfer auf dem See wird mit Dampf angetrieben.
The old paddle steamer on the lake is powered by steam.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about ships, harbors, or historical travel, it means a steamship. If it is about e-cigarettes or alternatives to smoking, it means the person.
EXAMPLE
Der historische Dampfer liegt heute als Museum im Hafen.
The historic steamer is now in the harbor as a museum.
Typical combinations
In the meaning 'Dampfschiff' (steamship), the word is often expanded into compounds such as 'Ozeandampfer' (ocean liner/steamship) or 'Raddampfer' (paddle steamer). It is frequently used in connection with large bodies of water.
EXAMPLE
Die Titanic war der berühmteste Ozeandampfer ihrer Zeit.
The Titanic was the most famous ocean liner of its time.
Register
The term 'Dampfer' (vaper) for a person who uses e-cigarettes is colloquial. In more formal contexts, you would speak of a 'Nutzer von E-Zigaretten' (user of e-cigarettes).
EXAMPLE
Mein Kollege ist jetzt auch Dampfer und hat mit dem Rauchen aufgehört.
My colleague is now a vaper too and has quit smoking.
Compare with
Dampfer vs Schiff
ship
Schiff is the general term for a large watercraft. Dampfer refers more specifically here to a large ship with a steam engine. When only the type of vessel and its transport function matter, Schiff is appropriate; when the steam engine is being mentioned or emphasized, Dampfer is appropriate.
Dampfer
Der historische Dampfer mit Dampfmaschine bringt die Fahrgäste zur Insel.
The historic steamer with a steam engine is taking the passengers to the island.
Schiff
Das moderne Schiff mit Dieselmotor bringt die Fahrgäste zur Insel.
The modern ship with a diesel engine is taking the passengers to the island.
In real life
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