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Nordstern

North Star, Polaris

noun NORT-shtern Rare

Also means

reliable guide (figurative)

Usage Note

Nordstern (Polaris) is used both literally for navigation and figuratively for something that gives a fixed bearing. Am Nordstern orientieren means to use it to find north without a compass.

Examples

"Früher orientierten sich Seeleute am Nordstern, wenn sie nachts auf See waren."

Natural Translation

In the past, sailors used the North Star to navigate when they were at sea at night.

Literal Translation

Earlier oriented-themselves sailors on-the North-Star, when they at night on sea were.

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