01
das Meer
sea
The large, connected body of salt water that covers a large part of the Earth's surface.
example
Im Urlaub fahren wir jedes Jahr ans Meer.
On vacation, we go to the sea every year.
das Meer
sea
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word element 'Meer-' (sea) is a very productive part of many compound nouns that have to do with the sea. If you see 'Meer-' at the beginning of a word, it probably has to do with the ocean.
EXAMPLE
Der Meeresspiegel steigt aufgrund des Klimawandels an.
Sea level is rising due to climate change.
Important prepositions
Pay attention to the prepositions: You go 'ans Meer' (to the sea; direction, accusative), you are 'am Meer' (by/at the sea; location, dative), and you swim 'im Meer' (in the sea; in the water, dative).
EXAMPLE
Wir fahren nächste Woche für ein paar Tage ans Meer.
We're going to the sea for a few days next week.
Metaphorical use
In the figurative meaning, 'Meer' (sea) is almost always used in the structure 'ein Meer von + plural noun' (a sea of + plural noun). It describes a huge, overwhelming amount.
EXAMPLE
Die Band spielte vor einem Meer von begeisterten Fans.
The band played in front of a sea of enthusiastic fans.
Compare with
Meer vs Land
country / countryside / land
'das Land' and 'das Meer' are simple opposites. 'Land' means solid ground. 'Meer' means the large body of salt water. This contrast is especially typical with coasts, islands, ships, and travel. You can be at sea and later go back onto land. In this contrast, 'Land' does not mean a country, but solid ground.
Meer
Im Urlaub sitzt Sofia jeden Morgen am Meer und liest.
On vacation, Sofia sits by the sea every morning and reads.
Land
Vom Schiff aus sahen wir am Abend endlich wieder Land.
From the ship, we finally saw land again in the evening.
In real life
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