Seemann

sailor, mariner, seaman

noun ZEY-man Rare

Usage Note

Seemann refers broadly to a professional sailor on merchant or naval vessels; formal ranks include Matrose (ordinary seaman) and Bootsmann (boatswain). Seafarers in Germany are governed by the Seearbeitsgesetz; Hamburg is the traditional centre of German maritime culture.

Examples

"Der Seemann war monatelang auf hoher See und kehrte erst im Winter zurück."

Natural Translation

The sailor was at sea for months and did not return until winter.

Literal Translation

The sailor was months-long on high sea and returned only in-the winter.

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