der Ozean
ocean
One of the large world oceans that surround the continents.
EXAMPLE
Die Titanic sank auf ihrer Fahrt über den Atlantischen Ozean.
The Titanic sank during its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
der Ozean
ocean
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Meanings
der Ozean
ocean
Figuratively, a very large, vast, or overwhelming amount or expanse of something.
EXAMPLE
Vom Berggipfel blickten wir auf einen Ozean aus Wolken.
From the mountain peak, we looked out over an ocean of clouds.
Usage tips
Correct preposition
The preposition changes depending on the context: you swim 'im Ozean' (in the ocean; dative), you travel 'über den Ozean' (across the ocean; accusative), and you travel 'an den Ozean' (to the ocean; accusative).
EXAMPLE
Viele Schiffe überqueren den Atlantischen Ozean.
Many ships cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Typical combinations
'Ozean' (ocean) is often used with the official names of the world's oceans: 'der Atlantische Ozean' (the Atlantic Ocean), 'der Pazifische Ozean' (the Pacific Ocean) or 'Pazifik' (Pacific), and 'der Indische Ozean' (the Indian Ocean).
EXAMPLE
Der Pazifische Ozean ist der größte Ozean der Welt.
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that 'Ozean' (ocean) is combined with a noun that has nothing to do with water. It often appears in the form 'ein Ozean aus/von ...' (an ocean of ...).
EXAMPLE
Die Rede löste einen Ozean von Beifall aus.
The speech triggered an ocean of applause.
Typical expressions
In the figurative meaning, you often find poetic expressions such as 'ein Ozean der Gefühle' (an ocean of emotions), 'ein Ozean der Stille' (an ocean of silence), or 'ein Ozean an Möglichkeiten' (an ocean of possibilities).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Trennung versank er in einem Ozean der Traurigkeit.
After the breakup, he sank into an ocean of sadness.
Compare with
Ozean vs Meer
sea
Meer is the more general term for a large, continuous body of salt water. Ozean, on the other hand, refers to one of the particularly large oceans between the continents. That is why the North Sea is called a Meer, while the Atlantic is called an Ozean.
Ozean
Der Atlantik ist ein Ozean zwischen Europa und Amerika.
The Atlantic is an ocean between Europe and America.
Meer
Die Nordsee ist ein Meer zwischen mehreren europäischen Ländern.
The North Sea is a sea between several European countries.
In real life
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