das Meerwasser
seawater
The salty water found in the world's seas and oceans.
EXAMPLE
Meerwasser ist wegen seines hohen Salzgehalts nicht als Trinkwasser geeignet.
Because of its high salt content, seawater is not suitable as drinking water.
das Meerwasser
seawater
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
'Meerwasser' (seawater) is a very clear compound. It is made up of 'das Meer' (the sea) and 'das Wasser' (water). So the meaning is quite literal: water from the sea.
EXAMPLE
Beim Schwimmen habe ich aus Versehen Meerwasser geschluckt.
While swimming, I accidentally swallowed seawater.
Use without an article
As a mass noun, 'Meerwasser' (seawater) is often used without an article when speaking about the substance in general. The article is only used when referring to a specific amount or type.
EXAMPLE
Meerwasser hat eine hohe Konzentration an Salz.
Seawater has a high concentration of salt.
Typical collocations
Common collocations describe its properties or effects. Typical phrases are 'salziges Meerwasser' (salty seawater), 'kaltes Meerwasser' (cold seawater), or the statement that seawater is 'gut für die Haut' (good for the skin).
EXAMPLE
Viele Leute finden, dass Meerwasser gut für ihre Haut ist.
Many people find that seawater is good for their skin.
Compare with
Meerwasser vs Salzwasser
salt water
Salzwasser generally refers to water with a high salt content, regardless of where it comes from. Meerwasser is salt water that explicitly comes from a sea or ocean. So Salzwasser is appropriate for artificially mixed water, while Meerwasser is more precise for water taken directly from the sea.
Meerwasser
Für das Aquarium holt die Pflegerin Meerwasser direkt von der Küste.
For the aquarium, the caretaker collects seawater directly from the coast.
Salzwasser
Für das Aquarium mischt die Pflegerin Salzwasser aus Wasser und einer Salzmischung.
For the aquarium, the caretaker mixes salt water from water and a salt mixture.
In real life
Loading video examples...