01
das Deck
deck
The walkable, open upper surface of a ship.
example
Die Passagiere versammelten sich bei Sonnenuntergang an Deck.
The passengers gathered on deck at sunset.
das Deck
deck
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Deck' is a loanword from English. Many of its meanings in German are derived directly from the English uses, for example on a ship or as a set of playing cards.
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Kartenspiel brauchen wir ein komplettes Deck mit 52 Karten.
For this card game, we need a complete deck with 52 cards.
Fixed expression: an Deck
In connection with ships, the fixed expression 'an Deck' is used without an article to describe both location and direction. You say 'an Deck sein' (to be on deck) and 'an Deck gehen' (to go on deck).
EXAMPLE
Komm, wir gehen an Deck, um die frische Meeresluft zu genießen.
Come on, let's go on deck to enjoy the fresh sea air.
Context clue: level
When 'Deck' refers to a level or floor, the context is usually a parking garage ('Parkdeck', parking deck) or a vehicle such as a double-decker bus ('oberes Deck', upper deck).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben auf dem untersten Parkdeck keinen Platz mehr gefunden.
We didn't find any space left on the lowest parking level.
Context clue: cards
When it is about games, 'Deck' means a set of playing cards. Typical verbs in this context are 'mischen' (to shuffle), 'austeilen' (to deal), or 'abheben' (to cut the deck).
EXAMPLE
Wer mischt das Deck für die nächste Runde?
Who's shuffling the deck for the next round?
Compare with
Deck vs Ebene
plain / level
'die Ebene' and 'das Deck' can both mean a level or floor. 'Ebene' is more general and fits buildings, plans, or technical structures. 'Deck' is used mainly for ships and sometimes for certain vehicles or facilities, for example in a parking garage or double-decker bus. The words can be confusing because both can refer to a walkable level. As a practical rule: when it is about a ship, 'Deck' sounds natural. When speaking generally about a level, 'Ebene' is usually more appropriate.
Deck
Im Parkhaus finden wir auf dem zweiten Deck noch einen freien Platz.
In the parking garage, we can still find a free space on the second level.
Ebene
Die Kinderabteilung liegt auf der oberen Ebene des Kaufhauses.
The children's department is on the upper level of the department store.
In real life
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