01
das Kriegsschiff
warship
A ship that is built, armed, and equipped for military purposes and used in war.
example
Im Hafen lag ein großes Kriegsschiff der Marine vor Anker.
A large navy warship was anchored in the harbor.
das Kriegsschiff
warship
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound of 'der Krieg' (war), the linking element '-s-', and 'das Schiff' (ship). So the meaning is literally 'a ship for war'.
EXAMPLE
Ein modernes Kriegsschiff ist mit hoch entwickelter Technologie ausgestattet.
A modern warship is equipped with highly advanced technology.
Typical collocations
Common verbs in connection with warships are 'vor Anker liegen' (to lie at anchor), 'in See stechen' (to set sail), 'versenken' (to sink), or 'vom Stapel laufen' (to be launched, when a new ship is finished).
EXAMPLE
Mehrere Kriegsschiffe der Flotte liegen im Hafen vor Anker.
Several warships of the fleet are anchored in the harbor.
Productive compounds
The word element 'Kriegs-' (war) is very productive for military terms. If you recognize this part, you can often infer the meaning of other words, such as 'Kriegsmarine' (navy), 'Kriegsfilm' (war film), or 'Kriegsgebiet' (war zone).
EXAMPLE
Die Kriegsmarine führte ein Manöver im Pazifik durch.
The navy carried out a maneuver in the Pacific.
Compare with
Kriegsschiff vs Zerstörer
destroyer
'der Zerstörer' and 'das Kriegsschiff' can both refer to a military ship. The important difference is: a destroyer is a specific type of warship, usually fast and maneuverable. 'Kriegsschiff' is the more general term for any ship that is built and armed for military purposes. Learners may confuse the words because every destroyer is a warship, but not every warship is a destroyer. If the exact type of ship is important, 'Zerstörer' fits. If you are only speaking generally about a military ship, 'Kriegsschiff' is better.
Kriegsschiff
Vor der Küste liegt ein großes Kriegsschiff.
There is a large warship off the coast.
Zerstörer
Der Zerstörer begleitete den Flugzeugträger durch das Meer.
The destroyer accompanied the aircraft carrier across the sea.
In real life
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