U-Boot
/ˈuːboːt/neuter
The German word for submarine is U-Boot. Wiktionary also lists Unterseeboot and Unterwasserboot.
Meaning: undersea boat (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| U-Boot | /ˈuːboːt/ | neuter |
| Unterseeboot | /ˈʊntɐzeːˌboːt/ | neuter |
| Unterwasserboot | neuter |
The term refers to an undersea boat. Related adjectives used to describe things occurring under the sea include submarin, unterseeisch and untermeerisch.
What does it mean word for word?
U-Boot is a contraction of Unterseeboot, which literally means 'undersea boat'.
Which one should you use?
You may also see the full form Unterseeboot or the term Unterwasserboot. All three forms are neuter nouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of U-Boot is U-Boote.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuːboːt/
Did you know?
- The abbreviation U-Boot is so common that it has entered English as a technical term, even though it is a clipped German word.
- The word Boot in U-Boot is a cognate of the English word 'boat', but in German, Boot often refers to smaller vessels, whereas larger ships are usually called Schiff.
- In historical contexts, particularly regarding World War II, the term U-Boot is almost always associated with the 'Grey Wolves', a nickname given to the submarine fleet.
Examples in context
- Ist das ein U-Boot?Is that a submarine?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific vessel is a U-Boot.Tatoeba #5298844 by Sudajaengi, translation #4494913 by CK
- Warst du schon einmal in einem U-Boot?Have you been onboard a submarine?This sentence is useful for asking about previous experience being inside a U-Boot.Tatoeba #12630494 by Waldelfe, translation #10852585 by andibing
- Das U-Boot ist an der Wasseroberfläche.The submarine has surfaced.This sentence is useful for describing a U-Boot that is at the water's surface.Tatoeba #7722735 by Esperantostern, translation #10361113 by sundown
- Das deutsche Unterseeboot patrouillierte in feindlichen Gewässern.The German submarine patrolled in enemy waters.
- Die Erforschung der Unterwasserwelt durch Unterseeboote ist von großer Bedeutung.The exploration of the underwater world through submarines is of great importance.
- U-Boote sind faszinierende Fahrzeuge.Submarines are fascinating vehicles.
- Ich habe einen Film über U-Boote gesehen, er war sehr spannend!I watched a movie about submarines, it was very exciting!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are looking at a museum exhibit.
- LukasSiehst du das riesige U-Boot dort?Do you see that huge submarine there?
- SarahJa, das U-Boot sieht sehr beeindruckend aus.Yes, the submarine looks very impressive.
- LukasIch möchte gerne einmal in einem U-Boot sitzen.I would really like to sit in a submarine sometime.
- SarahDas wäre sicher ein spannendes Erlebnis.That would certainly be an exciting experience.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “submarine” translations and entries U-Boot, Unterseeboot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
