German word

Hafen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaːfn̩/

Meaning

  • masculine nounharbor

Example

Wir trafen uns am Hafen.

We met at the harbor.

Illustration for Hafen (harbor)

More examples

Die Hafenpromenade ist abends schön beleuchtet.

The harbor promenade is beautifully lit in the evening.

Core concept

A busy waterfront where ships arrive, stay, and exchange people or cargo with the land.

Common phrases

  • am Hafen

    at the harbor

  • zum Hafen

    to the harbor

  • Hafenpromenade

    harbor promenade

Similar words

Kai: A solid shore structure where ships dock and cargo is loaded or unloaded.
Anleger: A shore structure where small boats dock for passengers to board or leave.
Mole: A long stone or concrete barrier extending into the sea to protect against waves and wind.

Definition in German

Anlage an Küste oder Fluss zum Anlegen von Schiffen und zum Umschlag von Gütern und Personen.

Word origin

Hafen comes through Old High German hafan from a Germanic word related to English haven and Dutch haven.

Usage tips

  • Hafen is masculine, with the plural Häfen; the umlaut changes the vowel in the plural.

Other meanings

  • portnoun
  • anchoragenoun

Related words

  • Hafenstadtharbor citynoun
  • Hafengebietharbor areanoun

Word lists with this word