skipper
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skipper
The person who operates a recreational boat, especially a sailing yacht or motor yacht, and has command on board. The term corresponds to the captain in recreational boating.
Der Skipper entschied, wegen des aufkommenden Sturms im Hafen zu bleiben.
The skipper decided to stay in the harbor because of the approaching storm.
The word 'Skipper' (skipper) is a loanword from English and has its origin in the Dutch word 'schipper' (boatman/skipper). It is very common in German sailing jargon and is understood as a standard technical term.
Unser Skipper für die Woche kommt aus den Niederlanden.
Our skipper for the week is from the Netherlands.
The term 'Skipper' (skipper) is used almost exclusively for leading non-commercial recreational boats such as sailing yachts or motor yachts. It emphasizes the role of the responsible person in recreational boating.
Als Skipper bist du für die Sicherheit der gesamten Crew verantwortlich.
As skipper, you are responsible for the safety of the entire crew.
It is often described which decisions the skipper makes or what responsibility they carry. Typical formulations are 'der Skipper entscheidet' (the skipper decides), 'der Skipper legt den Kurs fest' (the skipper sets the course), or 'der Skipper hat das Kommando' (the skipper has command).
Der Skipper hat entschieden, die Route wegen des Wetters zu ändern.
The skipper decided to change the route because of the weather.
captain
'der Kapitän' and 'der Skipper' both refer to a person who has command on board. 'Kapitän' is more general and is especially suitable for large ships or also airplanes. 'Skipper' is used mainly for recreational boats, sailboats, or yachts in leisure contexts. Learners may confuse the words because both mean a leading person on the water. In practice: on a large ship, you are more likely to say 'Kapitän'; on a private sailing yacht, often 'Skipper'.
Vor dem Segelkurs erklärt der Skipper die wichtigsten Regeln an Bord.
Before the sailing course, the skipper explains the most important rules on board.
Der Kapitän begrüßte die Passagiere vor der Abfahrt.
The captain welcomed the passengers before departure.