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
die Rakete
firework rocket
A firework that is shot into the air on New Year's Eve or at celebrations and explodes there.
EXAMPLE
Zu Silvester haben wir viele bunte Raketen in den Himmel geschossen.
On New Year's Eve, we shot lots of colorful firework rockets into the sky.
die Rakete
rocket
Colloquial term for a person or vehicle that is extremely fast.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Stürmer ist eine echte Rakete auf dem Spielfeld.
The new striker is a real rocket on the field.
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 Torpedo
torpedo
Die Rakete and der Torpedo are both self-propelled projectiles used for military purposes. A Rakete travels through the air or into space, whereas a Torpedo moves underwater. Therefore, use Rakete for the flying projectile and Torpedo for the underwater projectile.
Rakete
Die Rakete flog über das Meer auf das entfernte Ziel zu.
The rocket flew over the sea toward the distant target.
Torpedo
Der Torpedo bewegte sich unter Wasser auf das Schiff zu.
The torpedo moved underwater toward the ship.
In real life
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