01
der Meeresboden
seabed
The solid ground at the bottom of a sea or ocean.
example
Wissenschaftler erforschen das Leben am tiefen Meeresboden.
Scientists are researching life on the deep seabed.
der Meeresboden
seabed
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is made up of 'Meeres-', the genitive form of 'das Meer' (the sea), and 'der Boden' (the ground/floor). So it literally means 'the floor of the sea.' The '-es-' is a typical linking element.
EXAMPLE
Ein U-Boot sank auf den Meeresboden.
A submarine sank to the seabed.
Typical verbs
In connection with the seabed, verbs such as 'erforschen' (to research/explore), 'untersuchen' (to examine), 'erreichen' (to reach), or 'kartieren' (to map) are often used, mostly in scientific or technical contexts.
EXAMPLE
Ein Team von Forschern will den Meeresboden in dieser Region untersuchen.
A team of researchers wants to examine the seabed in this region.
Correct preposition
To describe a position, you use 'auf dem Meeresboden' (on the seabed) or 'am Meeresboden' (at/on the seabed). Both prepositions take the dative.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem tiefen Meeresboden leben erstaunliche Kreaturen.
Amazing creatures live on the deep seabed.
Compare with
Meeresboden vs Grund
reason / ground
'der Grund' and 'der Meeresboden' can both refer to the bottom under water. 'der Grund' is more general and can be, for example, the bottom of a lake, river, or sea. 'der Meeresboden' is more specific: it refers only to the bottom of the sea or ocean. If the context is already clear, 'Grund' may be enough. If you want to make it clear that you are talking about the sea, 'Meeresboden' is more precise and more natural.
Meeresboden
Forscher fanden alte Gegenstände auf dem Meeresboden.
Researchers found old objects on the seabed.
Grund
Im klaren Wasser konnte man den Grund des Sees sehen.
In the clear water, you could see the bottom of the lake.
In real life
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