drift
Loading your saved state.
drift
The sideways deviation of a ship or aircraft from its planned course due to the influence of wind or current.
Der Kapitän musste die Drift durch die starke Strömung ständig korrigieren.
The captain constantly had to correct the drift caused by the strong current.
The noun 'die Drift' (drift) is closely related to the verb 'driften' (to drift). 'Driften' means to slowly and uncontrollably move away from a course or place. 'Die Drift' is the result of this process.
Das führerlose Boot driftete langsam aufs offene Meer hinaus.
The driverless boat slowly drifted out onto the open sea.
The many meanings of 'Drift' are almost always clear from the technical context. Depending on whether the topic is navigation, motorsport, geology, or genetics, a different meaning is intended.
Im Biologieunterricht lernten wir über die genetische Drift.
In biology class, we learned about genetic drift.
In the context of ships and aircraft, drift is often 'calculated' or 'corrected', or people speak of 'Drift durch den Wind' (drift caused by the wind).
Der Pilot muss die Drift durch den Seitenwind berechnen.
The pilot has to calculate the drift caused by the crosswind.
In the meaning of deposited material, 'Drift' is mainly used in geology and geography. It is a technical term.
Der Geologe analysierte die Zusammensetzung der glazialen Drift.
The geologist analyzed the composition of the glacial drift.
deviation
'die Abweichung' and 'die Drift' can both describe something not staying on its planned course. 'Abweichung' is the more general word: it fits plans, rules, values, or routes. 'Drift' is more specific and refers to a sideways deviation from course in ships or aircraft, usually caused by wind or currents. That is why 'Drift' sounds technical and only fits certain situations. If you are speaking generally about a difference from the plan, use 'Abweichung'. If wind or a current pushes a vehicle sideways off course, 'Drift' is more precise.
Auf dem Meer bemerkte der Kapitän, dass die Drift das Schiff nach Osten trieb.
At sea, the captain noticed that the drift was pushing the ship eastward.
Sofia prüft vor der Fahrt die Abweichung von der geplanten Route.
Before the trip, Sofia checks the deviation from the planned route.