Raumschiff
spacecraft
A vehicle designed for travel in outer space.
EXAMPLE
Das Raumschiff Enterprise erkundet fremde neue Welten.
The starship Enterprise explores strange new worlds.
das Raumschiff
spacecraft
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word 'Raumschiff' (spacecraft) is a compound of 'Raum' (space) and 'Schiff' (ship). Here, 'Raum' stands for 'Weltraum' (outer space), so a Raumschiff is literally a 'ship for outer space.'
EXAMPLE
Die Astronauten bereiten sich auf den Start ihres Raumschiffs vor.
The astronauts are preparing for the launch of their spacecraft.
Typical verbs
In connection with a spacecraft, the verbs 'starten' (to launch/take off), 'landen' (to land), 'fliegen' (to fly), and 'steuern' (to steer/pilot) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Das unbemannte Raumschiff soll auf dem Mars landen.
The unmanned spacecraft is supposed to land on Mars.
Typical adjectives
A frequent distinction is made between a 'bemanntes' Raumschiff (manned spacecraft, with people on board) and an 'unbemanntes' Raumschiff (unmanned spacecraft, remote-controlled or automatic).
EXAMPLE
Die erste bemannte Mission zum Mond war ein historisches Ereignis.
The first manned mission to the moon was a historic event.
Compare with
Raumschiff vs Ufo
UFO
A Raumschiff is a vehicle built for travel in outer space. A Ufo, by contrast, is initially only an observed flying object that has not yet been identified; whether it is a spacecraft remains open. Use Ufo when the identity is unknown and Raumschiff when the type of vehicle has been identified.
Raumschiff
Nachdem die Experten es untersucht hatten, erkannten sie das unbekannte Objekt als Raumschiff.
After examining it, the experts recognized the unidentified object as a spacecraft.
Ufo
Solange niemand das unbekannte Objekt erklären konnte, blieb es für die Beobachter ein Ufo.
As long as no one could explain the unidentified object, it remained a UFO to the observers.
In real life
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