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die Flotte
fleet
A group of ships that belong together, usually for military (war fleet) or commercial purposes (merchant fleet).
example
Die feindliche Flotte wurde am Horizont gesichtet.
The enemy fleet was sighted on the horizon.
die Flotte
fleet
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
Whether ships or other vehicles are meant can be recognized from the context. Words like 'Marine' (navy), 'Hafen' (harbor), or 'See' (sea) point to ships. With companies, words like 'Fluggesellschaft' (airline) or 'Mietwagenfirma' (rental car company) point to aircraft or cars.
EXAMPLE
Die Marine schickte ihre modernste Flotte auf die Übung.
The navy sent its most modern fleet to the exercise.
Typical compounds
When referring to ships, 'Flotte' (fleet) is often used in compound words that define the purpose more precisely. The most common are 'die Kriegsflotte' (war fleet) and 'die Handelsflotte' (merchant fleet).
EXAMPLE
Die spanische Kriegsflotte war im 16. Jahrhundert sehr mächtig.
The Spanish war fleet was very powerful in the 16th century.
Typical verbs
When 'Flotte' (fleet) refers to a collection of vehicles belonging to a company, it is often combined with verbs from the world of business. Typical phrases are 'die Flotte modernisieren' (to modernize the fleet), 'erweitern' (to expand), or 'verwalten' (to manage).
EXAMPLE
Das Logistikunternehmen will seine LKW-Flotte komplett modernisieren.
The logistics company wants to completely modernize its truck fleet.
Compare with
Flotte vs Park
park
'der Park' and 'die Flotte' can both refer to the total number of vehicles or large pieces of equipment belonging to an organization. In this meaning, 'Park' often refers to a company's stock, for example 'Fuhrpark' (vehicle fleet) or 'Maschinenpark' (machinery stock). 'Flotte' is used especially for ships, airplanes, or many vehicles that belong together and are in service. The words can be confused because both can refer to multiple vehicles. 'Fuhrpark' sounds more like administration and inventory; 'Flotte' sounds more like a group of vehicles that is actively being used.
Flotte
Die Fluggesellschaft erweitert ihre Flotte um fünf neue Maschinen.
The airline is expanding its fleet by five new aircraft.
Park
Der Fuhrpark der Firma wird im nächsten Jahr erneuert.
The company's vehicle fleet will be renewed next year.
In real life
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