trade wind / Passat
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trade wind
A steady, moderately strong wind that blows in the tropics toward the equator. These winds were very important for historical sailing.
Die Segelschiffe nutzten den Passat, um den Atlantik schnell zu überqueren.
The sailing ships used the trade wind to cross the Atlantic quickly.
Passat
The name of a well-known car model made by Volkswagen.
Mein Onkel hat sich gerade den neuesten Passat als Firmenwagen bestellt.
My uncle has just ordered the newest Passat as his company car.
You can only recognize the meaning of 'Passat' from context. Words like 'segeln' (to sail), 'Wind' (wind), or 'tropisch' (tropical) point to the wind. Words like 'fahren' (to drive), 'Volkswagen', or 'Kofferraum' (trunk) point to the car model.
Die Entdecker nutzten den Passat, um schneller nach Amerika zu segeln.
The explorers used the trade wind to sail to America faster.
When the wind is meant, 'Passat' (trade wind) often appears with verbs like 'wehen' (to blow) or 'nutzen' (to use). The context is usually geographical or historical (seafaring).
Der Passat weht beständig aus der gleichen Richtung.
The trade wind blows steadily from the same direction.
When the car is meant, 'Passat' is treated like a proper name. Typical verbs are 'fahren' (to drive), 'kaufen' (to buy), or 'besitzen' (to own).
Er fährt einen blauen Passat Kombi.
He drives a blue Passat station wagon.
