motorboat
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motorboat
A boat that is powered by a motor, as opposed to a sailboat or rowboat.
Wir haben uns für den Nachmittag ein Motorboot gemietet, um auf dem See zu fahren.
We rented a motorboat for the afternoon to go out on the lake.
The word is a simple compound made from 'der Motor' (the motor/engine) and 'das Boot' (the boat). So it literally describes a boat that is powered by a motor.
Für den Ausflug haben wir ein schnelles Motorboot reserviert.
We reserved a fast motorboat for the excursion.
Common verbs used with 'Motorboot' (motorboat) are 'ein Motorboot mieten' (to rent a motorboat), 'ein Motorboot steuern' (to steer/operate a motorboat), or simply 'mit dem Motorboot fahren' (to go by motorboat).
Man braucht einen speziellen Führerschein, um dieses Motorboot zu steuern.
You need a special license to operate this motorboat.
The base word 'Boot' (boat) is often used to form different types of boats. Other examples are 'das Segelboot' (sailboat), 'das Ruderboot' (rowboat), or 'das U-Boot' (submarine).
Am Hafen liegen sowohl Segelboote als auch Motorboote.
There are both sailboats and motorboats in the harbor.
ship
'das Schiff' and 'das Motorboot' are both vehicles on the water. 'Schiff' is used more for large watercraft, such as ferries, cargo ships, or cruise ships. 'Motorboot' is more specific: it is a boat with a motor and is usually smaller than a ship. Learners may confuse the words because both travel on lakes, rivers, or the sea. If the size or type is not important and it seems large, 'Schiff' often fits. If you want to emphasize that it is a smaller boat with a motor, 'Motorboot' is more precise.
Auf dem See fährt ein Motorboot schnell an den Badenden vorbei.
A motorboat speeds past the swimmers on the lake.
Am Hafen wartet ein großes Schiff auf die Passagiere.
A large ship is waiting for the passengers at the harbor.