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die Rakete
rocket
A projectile or spacecraft powered by a rocket engine and used for space travel or military purposes.
example
Die Rakete startete pünktlich um Mitternacht ins All.
The rocket launched into space right on time at midnight.
die Rakete
rocket
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning is usually clear from the context. Words like 'All' (space) or 'starten' (to launch) point to space travel. 'Silvester' (New Year's Eve) or 'Feuerwerk' (fireworks) point to the firework. In sports or with vehicles, it is a colloquial expression for speed.
EXAMPLE
Die unbemannte Rakete soll zum Mars fliegen.
The unmanned rocket is supposed to fly to Mars.
Typical verbs
In the context of space travel or the military, a 'Rakete' (rocket) is 'gestartet' (launched), 'abgeschossen' (fired), or 'gezündet' (ignited). It 'fliegt' (flies) to a target, for example 'ins All' (into space) or 'zum Mond' (to the moon).
EXAMPLE
Vom Weltraumbahnhof wurde eine neue Forschungsrakete gestartet.
A new research rocket was launched from the spaceport.
Typical context
This meaning is relevant almost exclusively in the context of celebrations such as 'Silvester' (New Year's Eve). People say they let rockets 'steigen' (rise) or 'in den Himmel schießen' (shoot them into the sky).
EXAMPLE
Um Mitternacht stiegen tausende bunte Raketen in die Luft.
At midnight, thousands of colorful firework rockets rose into the air.
Register: colloquial
Using 'Rakete' (rocket) for a fast person or a fast vehicle is colloquial. People often say that someone or something 'ist eine echte Rakete' (is a real rocket).
EXAMPLE
Mit seinem neuen Motorrad ist er auf der Autobahn eine Rakete.
With his new motorcycle, he is a rocket on the highway.
Compare with
Rakete vs Shuttle
shuttle
'Rakete' and 'Shuttle' can both appear in the context of space travel, but they do not mean the same thing. A 'Rakete' is mainly a projectile or spacecraft with a rocket engine; it launches upward with great force and can also be used militarily. A 'Shuttle' is a reusable spacecraft that transports people or material into space. The words can be confusing because a shuttle may be connected to rockets during launch. Still, the 'Rakete' is more the propulsion system or projectile/spacecraft, while the 'Shuttle' is more the vehicle used for transport.
Rakete
Die Rakete startete am Morgen vom Weltraumbahnhof.
The rocket launched from the spaceport in the morning.
Shuttle
Der Shuttle brachte Astronauten und Material zur Raumstation.
The shuttle brought astronauts and material to the space station.
In real life
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