Raumfahrzeug
/ˈʁaʊ̯mfaːɐ̯ˌt͡sɔɪ̯k/neuter
The English word spacecraft is translated into German as Raumfahrzeug. Wiktionary also lists Weltraumfahrzeug and Weltraumflugkörper.
Meaning: vehicle that travels through space (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Raumfahrzeug | /ˈʁaʊ̯mfaːɐ̯ˌt͡sɔɪ̯k/ | neuter |
| Weltraumfahrzeug | neuter | |
| Weltraumflugkörper | masculine |
A spacecraft is a vehicle that travels through space.
What does it mean word for word?
Raumfahrzeug is a compound of Raum (space/room) and Fahrzeug (vehicle).
Which one should you use?
Raumfahrzeug is the most common, neutral term for a spacecraft, whereas Weltraumflugkörper sounds more technical or scientific. Weltraumflugkörper is a compound of Weltraum (outer space), Flug (flight) and Körper (body/object).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Raumfahrzeug is Raumfahrzeuge.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁaʊ̯mfaːɐ̯ˌtsɔɪ̯k/
Did you know?
- The term Flugkörper is used for spacecraft, but it is also the standard German word for a missile or projectile.
- If a spacecraft is unmanned, Germans may use the term Sonde meaning 'probe', which is also the word used for medical probes.
- The suffix -zeug in Fahrzeug originally meant 'tool' or 'implement', suggesting that a spacecraft is viewed as a specialized tool for travel.
Examples in context
- Eros ist der erste Asteroid, auf dem ein Raumfahrzeug landen soll.Eros is the first asteroid to be landed upon by a spacecraft.This sentence uses Raumfahrzeug to describe an asteroid landing site.Tatoeba #6308744 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6293892 by Hybrid
- Die Trojaner-Asteroiden sind die „letzte bedeutendere Ansammlung von Objekten in unserem Sonnensystem, die noch nicht von Weltraumflugkörpern aus der Nähe betrachtet worden sind“, sagte Statler.The Trojan asteroids "are the last major population of objects in our solar system that have not yet been seen close-up by spacecraft," Statler said.This sentence uses Weltraumflugkörper to refer to objects observed in the solar system.Tatoeba #12949180 by Waldelfe, translation #10366987 by Hybrid
- Die NASA hat ein neues Raumfahrzeug entwickelt.NASA has developed a new spacecraft.
- Die internationale Zusammenarbeit in der Raumfahrt führt zu innovativen Raumfahrzeugen.International collaboration in space exploration leads to innovative spacecraft.
- Die Sicherheit der Raumfahrzeuge ist von höchster Priorität.The safety of spacecraft is of utmost importance.
- Lass uns ein Raumschiff zum Mars bauen!Let's build a spacecraft to Mars!
- Die Helden des Raumschiffs haben den fernen Planeten entdeckt.The heroes of the spacecraft have discovered the distant planet.
- Das Raumschiff fliegt mutig in den unendlichen Weiten des Alls.The spacecraft boldly flies through the infinite expanses of space.
- Das Raumfahrzeug fliegt zum Mars.The spacecraft is flying to Mars.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are looking at a museum exhibit.
- MaximilianSchau mal, ist das ein echtes Raumfahrzeug?Look, is that a real spacecraft?
- LauraJa, das ist ein Modell aus den sechziger Jahren.Yes, that is a model from the sixties.
- MaximilianEin Raumfahrzeug aus dieser Zeit ist faszinierend.A spacecraft from that era is fascinating.
- LauraIch stimme dir zu, Maximilian.I agree with you, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spacecraft” translations and entries Raumfahrzeug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
