A watertight or fireproof partition wall in a ship, submarine, or aircraft that divides the interior into separate compartments in order to increase safety.
example
Bei dem Wassereinbruch wurden sofort die Schotten geschlossen, um ein Sinken des Schiffes zu verhindern.
When water started coming in, the bulkheads were closed immediately to prevent the ship from sinking.
Usage tips
Distinguishing meanings
You can recognize the literal meaning of 'Schott' (bulkhead) from the technical context (ships, submarines). The figurative meaning occurs almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'die Schotten dichtmachen' (to shut oneself off).
EXAMPLE
Ein Schott trennt den Maschinenraum vom Rest des Schiffes.
A bulkhead separates the engine room from the rest of the ship.
Technical context
This word is used mainly in seafaring and aircraft construction. It describes a sturdy partition wall intended to ensure safety.
EXAMPLE
Das U-Boot hat mehrere wasserdichte Schotten.
The submarine has several watertight bulkheads.
Typical verbs
In the literal sense, 'das Schott' (the bulkhead) is often used with the verbs 'schließen' (to close), 'öffnen' (to open), or 'abdichten' (to seal).
EXAMPLE
Die Crew schloss die Schotten, um das Feuer einzudämmen.
The crew closed the bulkheads to contain the fire.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'die Schotten dichtmachen' (to shut oneself off) means to isolate oneself completely and break off contact with the outside world. The verb 'dichtmachen' (to seal/shut) is a fixed part of the expression here.
EXAMPLE
Er antwortet nicht auf Anrufe oder E-Mails; er hat die Schotten komplett dichtgemacht.
He doesn't answer calls or emails; he has completely shut himself off.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Schott vs Abschottung
isolation / partitioning
'das Schott' and 'die Abschottung' can both have to do with separation and protection. 'das Schott' is usually a concrete partition wall, especially in a ship, submarine, or aircraft. 'die Abschottung' more often means the process or state of someone or something being separated from the outside. It can also be a technical or structural separation. The words can be confused because both separate something off. If you mean the wall itself, 'Schott' often fits. If you mean the process or the isolation, 'Abschottung' is more appropriate.
Schott
Nach dem Alarm blieb das Schott im unteren Teil des Schiffes geschlossen.
After the alarm, the bulkhead in the lower part of the ship remained closed.
Abschottung
Die Abschottung des Systems schützt die Daten vor fremdem Zugriff.
The isolation of the system protects the data from unauthorized access.