Ozean
[ˈoːt͡seaːn]masculine
The English word 'ocean' can be translated into German as Ozean or Weltmeer.
Meaning: one of the large bodies of water (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ozean | [ˈoːt͡seaːn] (narrow) [ˈʔoːt͡seaːn] (narrow) |
masculine |
| Weltmeer | /ˈvɛltˌmeːɐ̯/ | neuter |
Both words refer to one of the large bodies of water.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Weltmeer literally translates to 'world ocean'.
Which one should you use?
Ozean is a masculine noun, while Weltmeer is a neuter noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the masculine noun Ozean in the singular, it takes an -s ending in the genitive case (e.g., des Ozeans) and uses the article den in the accusative case.
Did you know?
- The Greek root of 'Ozean' refers to a divine river that the ancients believed circled the entire world.
- In German, the term 'Meerjungfrau' is used for 'mermaid', which literally translates to 'sea maiden'.
- While Ozean is used for scientific contexts, Germans often use the simpler word Meer for any large body of salt water, including seas and oceans.
Examples in context
- Er ertrank im Ozean.He drowned in the ocean.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of Ozean in the context of drowning.Tatoeba #8841430 by wolfgangth, translation #2731964 by Amastan
- Wir lauschten dem Ozean.We listened to the ocean.This sentence shows how to use Ozean when describing listening to the water.Tatoeba #4685313 by Tomalak, translation #4684545 by Hybrid
- Mein Haus liegt am Ozean.My house is by the ocean.This sentence demonstrates how to use Ozean to describe a location near the water.Tatoeba #12220173 by mhr, translation #681609 by Source_VOA
- Die Schönheit des Ozeans ist atemberaubend.The beauty of the ocean is breathtaking.
- Lass uns morgen zum Meer fahren.Let's go to the ocean tomorrow.
- 92 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are looking at a map of the world.
- JulianDer Ozean ist riesig.The ocean is huge.
- LauraJa, er sieht sehr tief aus.Yes, it looks very deep.
- JulianMöchtest du einmal einen Ozean überqueren?Would you like to cross an ocean someday?
- LauraVielleicht mit einem großen Schiff.Maybe with a large ship.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ocean” translations and entries Ozean, Weltmeer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ozean, Weltmeer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
