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.
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.
breeze
'der Passat' and 'die Brise' both refer to wind, but they belong to very different situations. 'Passat' is a specific, steady wind in the tropics that is important in geography and on sailing voyages. 'Brise' is a light, usually pleasant wind, for example by the sea or on a warm day. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with wind. In everyday language, you almost always say 'Brise' if you simply mean a light wind. 'Passat' only fits when talking about tropical winds or a geographical topic.
Die Segler nutzten den Passat, um schneller über den Atlantik zu kommen.
The sailors used the trade wind to cross the Atlantic more quickly.
Am Strand wehte eine kühle Brise, und die Hitze war gut auszuhalten.
A cool breeze was blowing at the beach, making the heat easy to bear.