01
der Kreuzer
cruiser
A large, fast, and heavily armed warship used for various military tasks at sea.
example
Die Flotte bestand aus einem Flugzeugträger und mehreren Kreuzern.
The fleet consisted of an aircraft carrier and several cruisers.
der Kreuzer
cruiser
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Kreuzer' (cruiser) is derived from the verb 'kreuzen' (to cross). This connects the meanings: a ship that cruises the seas, and a yacht with which you cruise on the water.
EXAMPLE
Das Schiff kreuzt seit Wochen im Mittelmeer.
The ship has been cruising in the Mediterranean for weeks.
Context clue
To distinguish between the warship and the yacht, pay attention to the context: military terms such as 'Flotte' (fleet) or 'Marine' (navy) point to the warship, while words such as 'segeln' (to sail) or 'Hafen' (harbor) refer to the yacht.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Kapitän verkaufte seinen Kreuzer und verbrachte den Ruhestand an Land.
The old captain sold his cruiser and spent his retirement on land.
Historical context
The meaning 'Münze' (coin) is purely historical. You can recognize it from the fact that the sentence is set in the past and often contains time expressions such as 'damals' (back then) or 'im 19. Jahrhundert' (in the 19th century).
EXAMPLE
Damals kostete ein Laib Brot nur wenige Kreuzer.
Back then, a loaf of bread cost only a few kreuzers.
Compare with
Kreuzer vs Yacht
yacht
'der Kreuzer' and 'die Yacht' can both refer to a boat on which you can take longer trips and also live. In this sense, a cruiser is a specific type of sailing or motor yacht built for travel. 'Yacht' is more general and often suggests a private, sometimes luxurious boat for leisure, vacation, or sport. 'Kreuzer' is more precise when the design and suitability for longer trips are important. The words can be confused because both can apply to private boats. But note: not every yacht is automatically a cruiser.
Kreuzer
Der Kreuzer hat zwei kleine Schlafkabinen für die lange Fahrt.
The cruiser has two small sleeping cabins for the long trip.
Yacht
Im Hafen liegt eine elegante Yacht mit weißem Segel.
An elegant yacht with a white sail is lying in the harbor.
In real life
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