ferryman
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ferryman
A person whose job is to operate a ferry and use it to transport people, animals, or vehicles across a body of water such as a river or lake.
Der Fährmann brachte uns sicher ans andere Ufer des Flusses.
The ferryman brought us safely to the other bank of the river.
The word is made up of 'Fähre' (ferry) and 'Mann' (man). So it literally refers to a man who operates a ferry.
Der Fährmann winkte uns zu, als wir am Anleger warteten.
The ferryman waved to us as we waited at the dock.
'Fährmann' (ferryman) belongs to the word family of 'fahren' (to drive/travel). A 'Fähre' (ferry) is a ship that 'fährt' (carries/transports) people or vehicles across a body of water.
Die Fähre fährt nur bei gutem Wetter.
The ferry only runs in good weather.
Typical verbs associated with the profession of a ferryman are 'übersetzen' (to ferry across, in the sense of transporting), 'ans andere Ufer bringen' (to bring to the other bank/shore), or 'die Fähre steuern' (to steer the ferry).
Der Fährmann setzte uns sicher über den reißenden Fluss.
The ferryman ferried us safely across the raging river.
The mythological meaning can be recognized from context. Words like 'Totenreich' (realm of the dead), 'Seele' (soul), 'Sage' (legend), or the name 'Charon' clearly point to the figure from mythology.
Die alten Griechen glaubten, dass der Fährmann die Seelen über den Fluss Styx bringt.
The ancient Greeks believed that the ferryman brings the souls across the River Styx.
captain
'der Kapitän' and 'der Fährmann' both have to do with operating a vehicle on the water. The captain has command of a ship and bears full responsibility for the journey, crew, and often passengers as well. The ferryman operates a ferry and takes people, animals, or vehicles across a river, lake, or another body of water. The words can be confused because both can steer a watercraft. 'Kapitän' fits better for larger ships and responsibility on board; 'Fährmann' is more precise for a ferry on a fixed route.
Am kleinen Fluss wartete der Fährmann, bis alle Fahrräder auf der Fähre standen.
At the small river, the ferryman waited until all the bicycles were on the ferry.
Der Kapitän gab vor der Abfahrt eine kurze Durchsage an alle Passagiere.
Before departure, the captain made a short announcement to all passengers.