pilot / guide
der Lotse, die Lotsen
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pilot
A person who safely guides ships through difficult or dangerous waters and gives the captain instructions.
Der Lotse brachte das Schiff sicher durch die enge Hafeneinfahrt.
The pilot guided the ship safely through the narrow harbor entrance.
guide
A person who shows someone the way through an unfamiliar or complicated area or guides them through a difficult task.
Als Lotse durch die Bürokratie half sie den Antragstellern bei jedem Schritt.
As a guide through the bureaucracy, she helped the applicants at every step.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lotsen |
| genitive | des Lotsen |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Lotse | die Lotsen |
| accusative | den Lotsen | die Lotsen |
| dative | dem Lotsen | den Lotsen |
| genitive | des Lotsen | der Lotsen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
When a ship, harbor entrance, channel, or port is mentioned, 'der Lotse' (the pilot) generally refers to the nautical meaning. In connection with abstract areas such as bureaucracy or administration, the word is often used figuratively.
Der Lotse wartete bereits an Bord, als das Schiff in den Hafen einfuhr.
The pilot was already waiting on board when the ship entered the harbor.
Für Neuankömmlinge war der Verein ein Lotse durch den Behördendschungel.
For newcomers, the organization was a guide through the bureaucratic maze.
In its nautical meaning, 'Lotse' (pilot) is often used with verbs and expressions such as 'an Bord holen' (to bring on board), 'an Bord gehen' (to go on board), and 'ein Schiff durch das Fahrwasser führen' (to guide a ship through the channel). 'Hafeneinfahrt' (harbor entrance) and 'Fahrwasser' (channel) are also typical related terms.
Der Kapitän ließ einen Lotsen an Bord holen, bevor das Schiff in den Hafen fuhr.
The captain had a pilot brought on board before the ship entered the harbor.
In its figurative meaning, 'Lotse' (guide) is often used with 'durch' (through) and a complicated area. The person then helps with orientation and individual steps without actually showing the way through a body of water.
Die Stadt stellt Geflüchteten einen Lotsen zur Seite, der sie durch Ämter und Formulare begleitet.
The city provides refugees with a guide who accompanies them through government offices and forms.
