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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
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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
'das Schiff' and 'der Dampfer' both mean a large watercraft. 'Schiff' is the general and neutral term. It can refer to many kinds of large watercraft. 'Dampfer' is more specific: it is a ship that is powered by a steam engine, or used to be powered that way. That is why 'Dampfer' fits especially well for historical ships or excursion boats when the type of propulsion is important. The words can be confused because every 'Dampfer' is a 'Schiff'. But not every 'Schiff' is a 'Dampfer'.
Dampfer
Am Sonntag fährt ein alter Dampfer über den See.
On Sunday, an old steamer crosses the lake.
Schiff
Das Schiff bringt Waren von Hamburg nach Oslo.
The ship transports goods from Hamburg to Oslo.
In real life
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