destroyer
Loading your saved state.
destroyer
A fast and maneuverable type of warship originally developed to defend against torpedo boats.
Der Zerstörer eskortierte den Flugzeugträger durch die gefährliche Meerenge.
The destroyer escorted the aircraft carrier through the dangerous strait.
destroyer
A person, force, or thing that destroys, annihilates, or severely damages something.
Der Sturm war ein wahrer Zerstörer, der viele Häuser unbewohnbar machte.
The storm was a true destroyer that made many houses uninhabitable.
The word is derived from the verb 'zerstören' (to destroy). The prefix 'zer-' often expresses that something breaks or falls apart into pieces. The ending '-er' refers to the person or thing that carries out the action.
Ein Feuer kann ein großer Zerstörer von Wäldern sein.
A fire can be a great destroyer of forests.
'Der Zerstörer' (the destroyer) belongs to a word family with the verb 'zerstören' (to destroy) and the noun 'die Zerstörung' (destruction). If you know one of these words, you can understand the others more easily.
Die Zerstörung durch den Hurrikan war enorm.
The destruction caused by the hurricane was enormous.
You can clearly recognize the meaning 'warship' from the military context. When the 'Marine' (navy), a 'Flotte' (fleet), or 'Geleitschutz' (escort) is being discussed, it always refers to the ship.
Die Flotte bestand aus einem Flugzeugträger und drei Zerstörern.
The fleet consisted of an aircraft carrier and three destroyers.
cruiser
Both words refer to fast, armed warships, but the precise term depends on the navy in question and its classification system. Kreuzer generally refers to a large, heavily armed ship with a wide range of tasks, while Zerstörer emphasizes a fast, maneuverable type of warship. Size and armament alone therefore do not always determine the term.
Der Zerstörer begleitet den Verband als schnelles und wendiges Kriegsschiff.
The destroyer accompanies the task force as a fast and maneuverable warship.
Der Kreuzer übernimmt auf See mehrere militärische Aufgaben.
The cruiser carries out several military tasks at sea.
