German word

Schiff

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃɪf/

Meaning

  • neuter nounship

Example

Wir sehen viele Schiffe am Horizont.

We see many ships on the horizon.

Illustration for Schiff (ship)

More examples

Morgen setzen wir mit dem Schiff über.

Tomorrow we will cross by ship.

Core concept

A substantial floating vehicle built to carry people or goods on inland or open water.

Common phrases

  • auf dem Schiff sein

    be on the ship

  • mit dem Schiff übersetzen

    cross by ship

  • in ein Schiff einsteigen

    board a ship

Similar words

Boot: A small watercraft for one person or a few people, moved by oars or a small engine.
Fähre: A vessel that regularly carries people or vehicles along a set route.

Definition in German

ein Wasserfahrzeug, das auf Seen, Flüssen oder dem Meer Personen oder Güter transportiert.

Word origin

Schiff is an inherited Germanic word, related through Proto-Germanic *skipą to English ship and Dutch schip.

Usage tips

  • Boot usually denotes a smaller boat than Schiff, although the boundary depends on the vessel and context rather than a fixed size.

Related words

  • Schiffchenlittle boatnoun
  • Frachtschiffcargo shipnoun

Word lists with this word