Navigation:  
          The primary method of navigation aboard U-boats was by sextant.  Position was calculated and plotted in degrees, minutes and seconds of Latitude and Longitude.  In order to transmit positions efficiently and reliably over the radio, the Kriegsmarine used a system of grid squares.  The Kriegsmarine used a map of the world’s oceans laid out in squares with the first two characters (BC 1857 for example) identifying the large square and the next 4 characters (BC 1857 for example) identifying the position within that square.  When all six characters were given, a typical grid square was 6 x 6 nm.  See the links below for an explanation of this system.   Only first two characters were given when referring to just the large square and zeros were substituted for the numbers if a less specific position was intended.  In radio messages the grids were often reported in coded form by using a pre-defined offset and /or encoding the letters and numbers with reference to a code book (Adressbuch) carried for that purpose.  
     
 
Click the icon to proceed to pages describing the Kriegsmarine grid system
 
 
  Explanation of the Kriegsmarine grid system at Uboat.net
  Kriegsmarine Quadrant converter at Uboatwaffe.net
  Kriegsmarine grid page at Col. Michaël (SES) Svejgaard's website  includes a link to the MQK converter by Lief Andersson
 
     
 

        Some commanders used unofficial additions to the grids to write down their position more precisely. These were written as various abbreviations from one to three letters behind the six characters of the Naval grid system to give the exact position within the small square. The combinations used were put together from these six abbreviations:

  
 
Abbreviation
German
English
   r.
rechts
right
l.
links
left
m.
mitte
center
o.
oben
upper
u.
unten
lower
K.
Kante
edge
E.
Ecke
corner
 
          For example, “l.o.E.” means left upper corner and “r.K.m.” is the middle of the right edge.  The image below shows where these positions were located within a grid square.  
 
 
  In addition to the abbreviations above, sometimes the CO might refer to the edge of a square using the abbreviations, l.K., r.K., o.K. or u.K.  The order of the letters in the abbreviations is variable so l.o. might appear as o.l or r.K.m. might appear as m.r.K. (except as noted below).  For the purpose of translating the following convention will be adopted.  
 
Abbreviation Translation   Abbreviation Translation
         
r. right half   l.K. left edge
l. left half   r.K right edge
o. upper half   o.K. upper edge
u. lower half   u.K. lower edge
         
m. center   l.K.m center-left edge
l.m. center-left   r.K.m center-right edge
r.m. center-right   o.K.m. upper-center edge
      u.K.m. lower-center edge
l.o. upper-left      
m.o. upper-center   l.o.m. upper-left center
r.o. upper-right   r.u.m. upper-right center
      l.u.m lower-left center
u.l lower-left   r.o.m. lower-right center
u.m lower-center      
u.r. lower-right   Note: the order of the initials in the group below may not be altered without changing the position witin the grid square
l.o.E. upper-left corner   l.K.o. left edge upper
r.o.E. upper-right corner   o.K.l. upper edge left
l.u.E lower-left corner   o.K.r. upper edge right
r.u.E. lower-right corner   r.K.o. right edge upper
      r.K.u. right edge lower
      u.K.r. lower edge right
      u.K.l. lower edge left
      l.K.u. left edge lower
 
   
  Navigation Vocabulary  
 
Abendbesteck Evening navigation fix
Abfahrzeit Time of departure
Abgeschätzt (Ab.) Estimated
Abgreifen der Entfernung Measuring chart range with dividers or compass
Abgrenzung Demarcation
Ablandig Offshore
Ablesemarke Index line, index mark
Ablesen To read (instruments, etc.)
Ablesung Reading, setting
Abschätzen To estimate
Abstecken To plot
Abszisse Abscissa, X-coordinate
Ankunft Arrival
Annähernd (an.) Approximate
Anschneidelinie Line of intersection
Anschneiden Obtain a fix or a bearing
Anschnitte Cross bearings
Ansteuerung Literally "control" but in the context of a KTB it translates as a "position" that the boat is ordered to
Ansteuerungspunkt Approach point - the initial point that a U-boat was ordered to in advance of receiving an operational area
Äquator Equator
Äquatortaufe Crossing the line ceremony for lowly pollywogs
Ärmelkanal English Channel
Astro Short for celestial-navigator
Astronomische Navigation Celestial navigation
Astronomischer Beobachtung Astronomical observations (for a navigation fix)
Atlantischer Ozean (Atlantik) Atlantic Ocean
Atlaslot Fathometer
Ausgangspunkt Initial point, point of departure
Auslaufweg Sail away
Ausmarsch Outbound
Aussenpunkt Outer point
Aussenpunkt appears twice
Auswerten Evaluate, compute, plot
Azimut Azimuth
Befahren Steer, navigate
Behmlot Echo-ranging fathometer
Besteck Ship's position, navigational fix
Besteckkontrolle Position fix, Navigation channel
Besteckunsicherheit Uncertain position fix
Besteckunterschied Difference in fix
Besteckversetzung (B.V.) Corrected ship's position after obtaining a fix
Bestimmungsort Destination
Boje Buoy
Bootsführung Navigation
Breite Latitude, beam, breadth
Breitengrad Degree of latitude
Breitenhöhe Meridian altitude
Breitenkreis Parallel of Latitude
Bugrichtung Heading
Bussolenring Compass azimuth circle
Chronograph Chronometer
Circa (ca.) Approximately
Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeit Average speed
Echolot Echo sounder
Eichstrich Measuring line, graduation
Eigenpeilung Direction finding by taking bearings
Einlaufweg Inbound route
Einpeilen Take bearings on
Einrichten einer Karte Orientation of a chart
Eintreffen Arrive
Eintreffzeit Arrival time
Eismeer Antarctic Ocean
E-Kompass Electric compass, gyro compass
Etmal Day's run or distance travelled in 24 hours, usually noted from noon to noon
Faden Fathom
Fahrtmesser Speed indicator
Fernkompass Remote-reading compass
Fernrohr Telescope binoculars
Festland Mainland
Festlandsockels Continental shelf
Festlegepunkt Reference point
Friedensbefeuerung Peacetime navigation lights
Funkfeuer Radio beacon
Gegenkurs Opposite course
Gegenpeilung Reciprocal (bearing)
Gekoppelter Standort Position according to dead reckoning
Generalkurs General course - course made good of a zig-zagging ship
Geographische Breite Latitude
Geographische Koordinaten Geographic coordinates
Geographische Länge Longitude
Geographisch-Nord True North
Geschwindigkeit Speed
Geschwindigkeit über Wasser Surface speed
Geschwindigkeit unter Wasser Speed submerged
Gestirnsbeobachtung Celestial observation (for a navigation fix)
Gitter Grid
Gitterlinie Grid line
Gitternetz Military grid system
Gitternetzkarte Gridded chart
Gitterwerte Grid coordinates
Gleichlaufstellung Parallel line
Golf Strom Gulf Stream
Golf von Biskaya Bay of Biscay
Golf von Mexiko Gulf of Mexico
Gradfeld Chart square
Gradnetz Chart grid
Grenze Border, boundary
Großkreis Great Circle Course - the shortest course between any two points on the globe. A Great Circle is any circle described on the surface of the globe or any other sphere so that its plane passes through the center of the sphere.
Grund Bottom
Handsteuer Hand steering
Himmelskugel Celestial sphere
Himmelsrichtung Point of the compass, cardinal point
Hoheitsgewässer Territorial waters
Indischer Ozean (Indik) Indian Ocean
Karibik Caribbean
Karibisches Meer (Karibik) Caribbean Sea
Karte Chart
Kartengitternetz Chart grid
Kartenmassstab Chart scale
Kartenspind Chart locker
Knallot Depth sounding by means of an explosive device
Kompass Compass
Kompasslenkung Compass deviation
Kompassrose Compass rose
Kompassstrich

Point of the compass

Kompensieren Compension - of magnetic compass or battery; Battery compensation – low power battery loading for power loss compensation
Koordinate Coordinate
Koordinatennetz Chart grid, coordinate grid system
Koordinations-ausgangspunkt Point of origin of coordinates
Koppeln To determine a course or establish a fix by dead reckoning
Koppelnavigation Navigation by dead reckoning
Koppelort Dead reckoning position
Koppelungsort Dead reckoning position
Kreiselkompass Gyroscopic compass
Kreiseltöchter Gyro-repeater
Kreuzpeilung Cross bearing
Kurs Course
Kursänderung Course correction
Kursänderung Change of course
Küstenschifffahrt Coastal navigation
Land sichten To make landfall
Landung Landfall
Längengrad Longitude
Loten To take soundings
Lotimpulse Depth sounding pulse
Lotreihe A series of soundings
Lotung Sounding/depth
Magnetkompass Magnetic compass - on a U-boat this could not be located inside the pressure hull because of the magnetic interference.  It was instead mounted just forward of the conning tower and could be read in the control room through a series of mirrors.
Marinequadrat (Mar. Qu/Max. Qu.) Naval grid square
Marschweg Course
Maßstab Scale (as on a chart)
Meer Ocean, sea
Meerbusen Gulf, bay
Meerenge Strait
Meerküste Sea coast
Meldequadrat Grid square (of a chart)
Mißgissung Dead reckoning error
Missweisender Kurs Magnetic course
Missweisung Magnetic variation
Mittagsbesteck Noon fix
Mittagsbreite Noon Latitude
Mittelmeer Mediterranean Sea
Mittelpunkt Centerpoint
Morgenbesteck Morning navigation fix
Mutterkompass Master gyro-compass
Nautiker Navigator
Neigungswinkel Angle of inclination
Netzleger Net layer
Norden (N) North (N)
Nördlicher Polarkreis Arctic Circle
Nordmeer Arctic Ocean
Nordsee North Sea
Obersteuermann (OStrm) Chief Quartermaster / Navigation Officer
Ordinate Ordinate, Y-coordinate
Ort Position
Orten To locate, take bearings
Orter Navigator/Radar
Ortsbestimmung Orientation, position determination
Ortsmissweisung Magnetic declination
Ortung Position-finding, Enemy radar detection
Osten (O) East (E)
Ostsee Baltic Sea
Ozean Ocean
Pazifischer Ozean (Pazifik) Pacific Ocean
Peilaufsatz Pelorus used to measure bearings
Peillot Sounding lead
Peilung (Plg.) Bearing, sounding
Planquadrat (Qu) Grid chart or position
Quadrant Quadrant
Rechtswert X-coordinate
Rechtweisender (r.w) Kurs True course
Reelingslog Railing log - measures speed by the time it takes an object to pass by one point on the railing to another
Richtfeuer Range lights - to mark the entry to a port or a passage
Route Track
Schieflaufende Rhumb line
Schiffspeilung Relative bearing
Schlangenlinie Wavy/zig-zag
Schnitt Bearing, Cross section
Schnittpunkt Point of intersection
Schummerung Shading on maps or sketches, hatching
Schwimmende Balkensperre Floating boom
See Ocean, sea
Seekarte Chart
Sterne schiessen Take bearings on stars
Sternenschieβen Stellar fix
Steuerkompass Steering compass
Steuermann Navigator
Steuern Steer, navigate
Stich Knot
Stromaufgabe Current/drift calculation/plot
Stundenwinkel Hour angle
Süden (S) South (S)
Südlicher Polarkreis Antarctic Circle
Sunset Shooting the sun, taking bearings on sun
Tabelle Chart
Tagesmarsch Day's march
Tarnquadrant Disguised quadrant
Tochterkompass Repeater compass
Tragflüssigkeit Supporting fluid (for the gyro compass)
Treffpunkt Meeting point
Überschreiten Passing over
Untiefen Shoals
Verbesserter Kurs Corrected course
Verbindungslinien Connecting lines as for defining an attack area
Vergissen To make errors in the dead reckoning
Verlegungsmarsch Relocation transit
Versegelungspeilung Running fix
Vormarsch-geschwindigkeit Speed of advance
Wegekarte Track chart
Westen (W) West (W)
Westliche Hemisphäre Western Hemisphere
Westliches Vorfeld Western Approaches
x - m-Linie x - meter-line - ships often navigated along a coast along a line of constant depth  x = 10, 20 , 30, etc.
Zeichengerät Plotting instruments
 
     
  Nautical Vocabulary  
 
Abblenden Darken ship
Abbrennen To fire off
Abdrift Drift
Abgeblendet fahren To cruise without lights
Abgelegt Cast off/sailed
Abgenutzt Eroded, worn down
Abgerissen Broken, fractured
Ablaufen To turn away
Ablegen Cast off
Ablösen Wachablösung To relieve the watch
Abmessungen Dimensions
Abnahme Acceptance inspection
Abort Toilet
Abort W.C. or Head
Absacken Drop down with tide or stream
Abstand Distance apart
Abstellvorrichtung Locking mechanism
Abweiser Fender
Abwracken To break up, scrap
Achse Axis
Achteraus Astern
Achteraussacken To drop astern
Achterdeck Quarterdeck
Achtern Aft, astern, sternward
Achterschiff Aft section of ship
Achtersteven Stern post
Aggregat Aggregate
Aggregate Unit
Ahming Measure of draft
Anhängen Tow, to be towed, to follow
Anker Anchor, armature, rotor
Ankerflügel Fluke of the anchor
Ankergrund Anchorage, anchor
Ankerklüse Hawse pipe
Ankerlichten Weighing anchor
Ankermine Anchored mine
Ankerplatz Anchorage, berth
Ankerplatz verlegen To shift berth
Ankerschaufel, Ankerspaten Fluke of the anchor
Ankerspill Windlass, capstan
Ankerstelle Anchorage, berth
Ankerwinde Windlass, capstan
Anlage Assembly
Anlanden To land
Anlegen Lie to, lie alongside, board (ship)
Anschließen To connect, join\To follow
Ansteuern To steer for, head for/into
Antun (ein Hafen) Make for, make (a harbor)
Anzulaufen Oxidation, rust, coated
Arzneischrank Medicine chest
Arzt Physician
Arztboot U-boat with a physician aboard
Ärztlicher Ratgeber Doctor's Guide carried aboard U-boats
Asbestgraphit Asbestos-graphite
Aufbau Construction, make-up, lay-out
Aufbauten Superstructure
Aufbringen To capture (a ship)
Aufbringung Capture (of ship)
Aufgehängte Suspension, as in spring
Auflaufen Strand, run aground
Aufschleppe Slipway
Auftakeln To rig
Auftanken To refuel
Auftretenden Step or tread
Aufwasch Scullery
Aufzug Hoist, lift
Ausbau Extension, removal, disassembly
Ausbau der Sehrohre Unshipping periscopes (for service/repair)
Ausblase Exhaust
Ausbooten To disembark by boats
Ausbootung Disembarkation by boats
Ausdocken To undock
Auseinanderpullen To row apart
Ausfallender bug Straight raked sloped bow (Groner symbol = \   )
Ausffischen Pick up or haul aboard
Ausfragen To interrogate
Ausgang Outcome
Ausgedampft Steamed
Ausgedockt Undocked/departed dock (usually a dry dock)
Ausgedockt Cast off
Ausgelaufen Put to sea
Ausgeräumt To clear out as unloading or cleaning out the boat before it goes into the shipyard
Ausgerüstet Equipped
Ausgeschwungen Swung out (lifeboats)
Ausgestattet Equipped with
Ausgucker Look-out man
Ausladungsschiff Lighter
Auslaufen To leave port, put to sea, sail
Ausmittig Eccentric, off center
Ausräumen In the context of a KTB "Boot ausräumen" translates "clear the boat" (removing all movable gear after a patrol to facilitate shipyard work)
Ausrüstung Fitting out
Ausschiffen Disembark
Aussen Exterior
Außenbords Overboard
Außenbords Fegen Sweep overboard
Außendruckörper Bulges
Außenhaut Outer hull
Außenhut Plating, shell
Außenschiff Deck
Außenwinkel des Wasserlaufs Gunwale bar
Außerbetriebnahme Taking out of service/decommissioning
Äußere Outer, exterior
Aussteigen To bail out
Aussteigen Abandon ship, go ashore
Austritt Exit
Autogenen Schweißanlage Autogenous (oxy-acetylene) welding equipment
Bach Sea, water
Back Forecastle
Backbord (B.b.) Port
Bake Beacon
Balken Beam
Balkensperre Boom
Barkasse Barge
Baubelehrung Final stage of construction accompanied by future crew members to introduce them to technical details, equipment
Baujahr Year of construction
Baum Boom
Bauwerft Building yard, shipyard
Bedingt klar Conditionaly clear (partially operative)
Befragung Questioning (of POW)
Beheben Repair (break down, damage)
Behelfsmässig repariert Makeshift/temporary repairs
Beidrehen To heave to
Beil Axe, Hachet
Beischiff Living ship or house boat
Belegen Delay, cover; make fast
Bemannung Complement, crew
Bereich Region, range, near
Bergung Salvage
Bergungsdampfer Salvage (recovery) vessel
Bergungsschiff Rescue vessel
Besatzung Crew, ship's company, complement
Beschädigt Damaged
Beschädigung Damage
Beseitigt

Repair

Bestückung Armament (of ship)
Beurteilung Assessment
Bewacher Patrol vessel
Bewacher Guard/guard vessel/escort
Bewachungsfahrzeug Patrol vessel, escort vessel
Bewaffnen To arm
Bewaffnet Armed
Bewahrt Tried tested
Bilge Bilge
Binnenwasserstraße Inland waterway
Blattern Blade or fin
Blech Sheet metal
Blechkoller Nervousness or fright as during a depth charge attack
Blende Deadlight/Shutter
Blitztonne Flashing buoy
Blockadebrecher Blockade runner
Boden End plates or bulkheads (externally curved)
Bodenbeplattung Bottom plating
Bodengang Bottom strake
Bohrmaschine Drilling machine, drill press
Bolzen Pin, bolt
Bootshaken Boat hook
Bootskran (Davit) Davit
Bootslüfter Ventilating fan
Bootsswinde Hoist tackle; winch
Bordhöhe Freeboard (of a ship)
Bordlafette Ship's mounting (of guns)
Bordwand Ship's side
Brander Fire-ship
Brassen Brace
Brechstange Pry bar
Breitseite Flank, broadside
Brennstoff Fuel, Electrical current
Brennstoff Ergänzung Fuel replenishment
Brennstoffvorrat(e) Stock(s) of fuel
Bretter Boards
Bruch Break
Bruchlandung Crash landing
Brücke Bridge (Groner symbol = b  )
Brückennock Bridge yardarm
Brückennocken Bridge wing
Brückenseite Bridge wing
Brückenwache Bridge watch
Brückenwart Man on watch on bridge
Brüdenpumpe

Vapor concentrate pump

Brunde und Knoten Knots and ties
Brunnen Tank, well
Bruttoregistertonnen (BRT.)
 Gross Registered Tons (GRT)
Bruttotonnengehalt Gross tonnage
Buchsen

Tin metal

Bucht Bay, bight; camber, round of beam
Bug Bow
Bug, normal Straight plumb or vertical - the oldest type, it offers the most resistance to the sea (Groner symbol = /   )
Bugband Breast hook
Bugraum Bow compartment
Bugsee Bow wave
Bugsierboot Tow boat
Bugspillraum Fore capstan room
Bugwelle Bow wave
Buhne Quay, wharf
Bulkladung Bulk cargo
Bullauge Porthole
Bullen Hulk, pontoon
Bunker Bunker, shelter
Buntfarbenanstrich Camouflage painting, dazzle painting
Dammstrasse Pier, jetty, mole
Dampfbarkasse Steam launch, barge
Dampfer (D.) Steamer
Dampfmaschine Steam engine
Dampfpfeife Steam whistle
Dampfpinasse Steam pinnacle, picket-boat
Dampfwinde Steam windless
Darauf Afterward or thereon
Deck Deck
Decksaufbau Superstructure
Decksbalken Arched beam supporting deck
Decksladung Deck cargo
Deckslast Deck cargo
Deckstringerplatte Cutter row of deck plates adjoining side of ship and fastened to side and ribs by angle irons
Dichten des Leaks To seal leaks
Dingi Dinghy
Distillatbehälter Distilling chamber
Docken To dock
Dollbord Gunwale
Doppelfeder Double spring, as in tower hatch
Doppelfernglas Binoculars
Doppelmast Double mast (Groner symbol = 2  )
Doppelschornstein Double funnel (athwartship)
Dorne Drift pins/punches
Draufsicht View from the top
Drehbank

Lathe
Drehvermögen Maneuverability
Dreisternemeldung Casualty report
Druckboden Pressure bulkhead
Druckfester Pressure resistant
Druckwasserkästen Head box, gravity tank
Durchbrechungen Openings
Durchfressene Corrosion
Durchgang Corridor
Durchgemessen Calibrated
Durchmesser Diameter
Dwars Athwart
Dwarsab Abeam, abreast
Dwarsschiffs Athwartships
Einbiegen Turn into
Einbooten Embark by boats
Einbootung Embarkation by boats
Einfahrt Inlet, mouth of harbor
Einführmulde Entry through
Eingedockt Docked/entered the dock (usually a dry dock)
Eingelaufen Entered port
Einlass Inlet
Einlaufen Enter port
Einräumen Took over the boat (from the shipyard after an overhaul)
Einrichtungsplan Installations layout
Einschiffen Embark
Einschiffplatz Port of embarkation
Einsteige Entry
Einsteigeluke Entry hatch
Einsteigen To go below or get aboard
Einzelfahrer Unescorted ship
Einzuholen Retrieve
Eisbrecherbug Ice-breaker bow
Eiserne Portion Emergency ration
Enterhaken Grappling hook
Entern To board
Enterung Boarding
Entmagnetisieren Demagnetization/Degaussing
Entmooren To unmoor
Entritt Feed
Entwässerung, Oberdeck Drain, upper deck
Ergänzen To replenish
Ergänzenung Replenishment
Erledigung Handling
Erprobung Test run
Ersatzbrüdenpump

Auxiliary vapor concentrate pump

Erschüttern

To shake, vibrate

Ex-Name Former name of a ship
Fahrgastfrachter Passenger freighter
Fahrlichter Navigation lights
Fährschiffheck Ferry stern, shaped for the offload of cargo
Fahrwasser Fairway, channel, lane (in minefield)
Fahrzeug Vehicle, vessel, craft
Fall Rake
Fall des Hinterstevens After Rake
Fallreep Gangway
Fallreepspforte Gangway port
Fallreepstreppe Gangway ladder
Fallschirmleuchtkugel Parachute flare
Fallschirmrakete Parachute rocket flare
Fangnetz Torpedo net
Farben Colors/the flag
Fass Large warship or ship
Feger Escort vessel that patrols ahead or astern of a convoy (sweeper)
Fehlerhafte Defective
Feldspulen Magnetizing coil
Fenster in der Netzabweiserstütze Openings in the stanchion supporting the net jumping wires.
Festklemmte Jammed up, wedged in
Festkommen Run aground, be stranded
Festmacheboje Mooring buoy
Festmachen To make fast, secure, moor
Festmacher Mooring line
Festmacherbuoy Mooring line buoy
Feuerleitungsmast Fire control mast
Feuerlöscher Fire extinguisher
Feuerschiff Lightship
Fischdampfer Trawler
Fischereischutzboot Fishery protection vessel
Fischkutter Fishing trawler
Fischlogger Drifter, fishing-smack, trawler
Flachküste Flat open coast
Flachmeißel Flat chisels
Flaggschiff Flagship
Flansch Flange
Flaschenzug Block and tackle
Floß Raft
Flott Afloat
Flottenbegleitboot, Flottenbegleitschiff (F-boot) Escorting vessel (equivalent to corvette)
Flottenstützpunkt Naval base
Flottmachen Float, refloat
Flurboden Floor
Flurgräting Floor grating
Flusskanonenboot River gunboat
Flussmündung Estuary
Flut High tide
Fockmast Foremast
Formel Formula, code
Fracht Freight, cargo
Frachter Freighter
Frachtschiff Cargo ship
Freihalter Fender
Freistehend Detached, freestanding
Fressen Corroded
Frischwasser Fresh, drinking water
Fübos Flares
Fuchsschwanz Board saw
Fudel Mop, deck cloth
Fuge Joint, seam
Fundament Base, floor
Funkschapp Wireless shack
Fuss Foot
Gabelstuck

Yoke
Gang Passageway, corridor
Gangboard Gangplank
Gangspill Capstan
Gangspillspake Capstan bar
Gefälligkeitsflagge Flag of convenience
Gegenkurs Reciprocal/opposite course
Gehärtete Case hardened metal (shaft)
Gereinigt Cleaned, purified, purged
Germania Werft (GW) Shipyard owned by Krupp, builder of U-boats and manufacturer of U-boat machinery and equipment
Gesamtlänge Length over all 
Geschützturm Gun-turret
Gestrandet Aground, beached
Gestrichelt Painted line
Gesundheitsmusterung Medical check/examination
Gewindestucke Threaded coupling
Gezeit Tide
Gezeitenwechsel Change of the tide
Gieren Sheer, yaw, deviate from course
Gittermast Basket mast (Groner symbol = A  )
Gläsergebrauch Binoculars
Gleichlastig On an even keel
Gleitschiene Catapult rail
Glocke Bell
Glockentonne Bell buoy
Glühlampen Incandescent lamps
Göschstaff Jack-staff
Gräting Grating
Großkampfschiff Capital ship
Großmast Mainmast
Grösste Breite Maximum beam
Grösster Durchmesser Maximum cross-section
Grün (gr.) Green - Starboard.
Grund laufen Run aground
Grundausrüstung Basic fitting-out
Grundlinie Base line
Gummidichtung Rubber gasket/seal
Gummischlauchboot Rubber dinghy
Hafen Port or harbor
Hafenanlagen Harbor installations
Hafenbecken Harbor basin
Hafenbecken Dock/wet dock/harbor basin
Hafenbehörde Harbor authorities
Hafendamm Jetty
Hafeneinfahrt Harbor entrance
Hafengebiet Harbor area
Hafenschutz Harbor defense
Hafenschutzboot Harbor defense vessel
Hafenschutznetz Harbor protection net
Halt Stop ship
Halterung Fixture, mounting
Hammer Hammer
Handelsflotte Merchant fleet
Handelsmarine Merchant service
Handelsschiff Merchant ship
Handelsschiffahrt Commercial shipping
Handelsstörkreuzer Surface raider
Handelsüblich Commercial
Handleuchtzeichen Ground signal flare
Hanf Hemp (for packing)
Hart Backbord Hard a-port
Hartruder Full helm
Hartruder Full helm
Häufigkeit Frequency; frequent
Haupt Main, general
Hauptdeck Main deck
Hauptflotte Main fleet
Hauptschaltkasten Main switch box
Havarie Damage, obstruction
Hebefahrzeug Salvage vessel
Hebehaken Lifting hooks
Hebevorrichtung Lifting gear
Heck Stern
Heck, normal Counter stern, the stern is hooked and curved inward (Groner symbol = /   )
Heckgeschütz Stern gun
Hecklicht Stern light
Heckraum After compartment
Hecksee Stern wake
Heeresbestände Military stores
Heimathafen Home port, port of registry
Heissauge Lifting eye
Heizkammer Stokehold
Hell erleuchtet Brightly illuminated
Hellegatt Store-room
Helling Slipway, building-slip, wave
Herkunft Origin; cause of
Hersteller Manufacturer
Hieven To heave
Hilfs- Auxiliary-
Hilfskreuzer (H.K.) Raider, auxiliary cruiser
Hilfslenz

Auxiliary bilge

Hilfsmaschine Donkey or auxiliary engine
Hilfsmaschinenraum Auxiliary engine room
Hinausfahren Put to sea
Hinten Aft
Hinteraus Astern
Hintermann Next astern
Hinterschiff After end of a vessel
Hintersteven Stern-post
Hissen To hoist (a flag)
Hoch High
Hochwasser High water, tide
Höhe Elevation, height
Hoheitsabzeichen Nationality markings
Holzbelag Wooden sheathing
Holzpfropfen Wooden props/shoring
Horchraum Sound room/cabin
Hosenboje Breeches buoy
Hüpfen von Bord Jump overboard
Hütte Poop
Ideeller Hypothetical
Im Mittel On average
In den Bach fallen Fall overboard
In Dienst gestellt Commissioned
Indienstellung Commissioning (of a ship)
Ingenieur Engineer
Innen Interior
Innenboden Inner bottom of ship
Instandhaltung Up-keep, maintenance
Instandsetzung Repair, overhaul
Jacobsleiter Jacob's ladder
Kahn Ship
Kaimauer Pier, jetty, mole
Kajüte Cabin
Kalben (Aufklotzung, Klampe) Chock
Kalfatern Caulk
Kampfboot Combat U-boat
Kanister Canister, container
Kanonenboot Gunboat
Kaper Pirate
Kapitän Captain or Master of a vessel
Kappen Disconnect (e.g. oil hose)
Kartenhaus Charthouse
Kasten Locker, casing, box
Kehrtgemacht Came about/reversed course
Keil Cotter pin
Keile Wedges
Kessel Boiler
Kesselraum Boiler room
Kette Chain
Kettenkasten Chain cover
Kettenschutzes Chain or cable protector sleeve
Kiel Keel, Keel bottom
Kielblöcke Keel blocks
Kielboot Boat with flush keel
Kielgang Garboard strake
Kiellegung Laid down
Kielschwein Keelson
Kielschwein Keelson and other longitudinal girders on ship's bottom
Kielwasser Wake
Kielwinkel Keel angle
Kille Narrow channel
Kimmgang Bilge strake
Kimmkiel Bilge keel or fin
Kipp und Kant Pitch and roll
Kippen Tilt, tip over
Kittchen Jail, brig
Klampe Clamp, cleat
Klar Clear or operational
Klemmen Jammed, jam
Klemmenbrett Terminal block
Klemmkasten Terminal box
Klipperbug Clipper bow, inward curved - raking sloped bow (Groner symbol = )   )
Klüsenrohr Hawse pipe
Kneifzange Pincher pliers
Knick Break
Knieblech Bracket
Kohlenbunker Coal bunker
Kohlenschiff Collier
Koje(n) Bunk(s) berth
Kolbenlenzpumpe

Reciprocal bilge pump

Kombüse Galley
Kombusenherd Range, galley
Kommandantenbrücke Bridge of ship
Kommandantenraum Commanding Officer's quarters
Kommandoturmfenster Conning tower portholes
Kommandoturmluke Conning tower hatch
Kondensator Condenser
Konstruktionssteigung Pitch
Kontergewicht Counter weight
Kontur Contour, outline
Konvoi-Commodore Convoy Commodore
Korrosion Corrosion
Krähennest Crow's nest
Krampen Clamps
Kran Crane
Krängen To heel
Kreuzen To cross, to cruise
Kreuzer Cruiser
Kreuzer heck Cruiser stern, outward curved stern (Groner symbol = \  )
Kreuzmeißel Cross-cut chisel
Kriegsgefangener (Kgf.) Prisoner of War (POW)
Kriegsgerät War material
Kriegshafen Naval port
Kriegsmarinearsenal Naval arsenal
Kriegsmaterial War material
Kriegsschiff Warship
Kriegsverwendungsfähig Fit for active service
K-Spant Constructional frame
Küche Galley
Kugelring Spherical ring
Kugelschott Bulkhead
Kugelschotts Hatches (as at either end of the Control Room)
Kühlschlange Cooling condenser coil
Kühlwassersicherheitsventil Cool water security valve
Kurswechsel Change of course
Küste Coast
Küstengewässer Coastal waters
Küstenkonvoi Coastal convoy
Küstenstreitkräfte Coastal Forces
Küstenstrich Coastline
Küstenwachkutter Coast Guard Cutter
Kutter Cutter
Kutterläufer Lifeboat falls
Lade Cargo, Charge (electrical)
Ladebaum Derrick, crane
Ladedamm Jetty, landing-stage
Ladefähigkeit Loading capacity
Ladegeschirr Loading equipment
Ladelinie Load line
Ladeluk Cargo hatch
Ladeplatz Wharf
Ladeposten Kingpost
Laderaum Hold
Ladestelle Loading berth
Ladetonnage Displacement tonnage
Ladung Cargo
Ladung einnehmen To ship, take in cargo
Ladungsverzeichnis Ship's manifest
Ladungswert Value of cargo
Lage Null Directly ahead
Lagerraum Store-room
Landungsboot Landing Craft
Landungsprähme Landing craft
Länge Length
Länge über alles (Lu.a.) Length over all
Längschnitt Longitudinal section
Längsschiff Fore and aft
Längsseits Alongside
Lasche(n) Fish-plate
Last Load, cargo
Laterne Lantern
Latte Batten
Lattenwegerung Cargo battens
Laufplanke Gangplank
Lazarettschiff Hospital ship
Lecköl Oil from leak
Leckpfropfen Leak plugs
Lecksegel leak canvas - a piece of strong canvas which is use to cover a leak
Leckstopfbeutel Leak stopping bags
Leckstutzbalken Leak shoring timnbers
Leckstutzmaterial Leak shoring material
Leckwehr Damage control
Leckwehrgruppe Damage control party
Lederzeug Leather equipment
Lee Lee side (of a ship)
Leichter Lighter
Leichter Kreuzer Light cruiser
Leine Hawser
Leit. Ing. (LI) Chief Engineer
Leitungen Lines
Lenkluftschiff Dirigible
Lenzpumpe Reciprocal bilge pump
Leuchkugel Very signal light
Leuchmittel Pyrotechnic device
Leuchtboje Light buoy
Leuchtrakete Signal rocket
Leuchtschiff Lightship
Leuchtsignal Signal-flare
Leuchttonne Light buoy
Leuchtturm Lighthouse
Lichtbildübertrangung Photographic transmission, Photographically transmitted
Lichter Lighter
Lichtkegel Beam of light
Liegeplatz Berth (in port)
Linienriss Lines (showing form of ship), silhouette
Lippe Edge
Löschen To unload a ship, extinguish a fire
Löschgerät Fire extinguisher
Lösen To release, untighten
Lospullen To pull away
Loswerfen To cast off
Lot Sounding
Lotapparat Depth-sounder, depth finder
Lotschnurr Plumb line
Lotse Pilot
Lotsenbarke Pilot boat
Lotsenschiff Pilot vessel
Lücke A gap (Groner symbol = O  )
Luke Hatch/scuttle
Lukendeckel Hatch cover
Luv Weather side (of a ship)
Magnetelektrischer Eigenschutz  (MES) Degaussing gear
Mahlende Grinding
Maier bug An outward curved bow all rounded - the opposite of a clipper or raked bow, popular in the 1930's (Groner symbol = (   )
Malings Conning tower insignia
Mangelhafte Defective
Mannschaft Crew
Manöver Maneuver such as a change of speed or direction
Manövrierfähigkeit Ability to maneuver
Marcksboje Marker buoy
Marinewerft Navy yard
Markierungsboje Marker buoy
Mars Top (mast)
Maßnahmen Measures
Mast Mast (Groner symbol = 1  )
Mastwinde Mast winch
Materialstärke Scanting
Matrose(n) Sailor(s), rating(s)
Meeresspiegel Sea level
Meerwärts Seaward
Messe Wardroom
Mine Mine
Minenfeld Minefield
Minenleger Minelayer
Minenräumboot (R-boot) Motor minesweeper
Minensperre Minefield, mine barrage
Minensuchboot (M-boot) Minesweeper
Mittelschiff Midshhip
Mittschiffs Amidships
Mole Mole, jetty, pier
Montage Assembly
Mooringsschäkel Mooring swivel
Motor für Ankerwinde Motor for anchor
Motorpinassen Motor launch
Motorschiff Motor ship
Mündung ins Meer Estuary, mouth of a river
Mutterschiff Depot ship
Nachschubgeleit Supply convoy
Nachschubhafen Supply port
Nachschublinie Supply line
Nachthaus Binnacle
Nägel Nails
Naht Seam
Navigationslaternen Navigation lights
Navigationslichter Navigation lights
Nebelanlage Smoke screen apparatus
Nebelapparat Smoke screen equipment
Nebelboje Smoke buoy
Nebelturm Smoke screen apparatus
Nebenher Alongside
Neidergangsluke Companion hatch
Netzabweiser Net deflector
Netzsäge Net cutter
Neutralitätsabzeichen Distinguishing mark for neutral vessels
Niedergang Companion ladder
Niederholden To haul down (flag)
Niet Rivet
Niet mit versenken Kopf Countersunk rivet
Nische Recess
Nordenwärts Westbound
Not Emergency
Notbeleuchtung Emergency lights
Notfeuer Flare
Nothafen Port of distress, emergency port
Notsignal Emergency signal
Notsteuer Emergency steering
Nummer Eins Chief Petty Officer responsible for the dress, discipline and conduct of the enlisted personnel
Oberdeck Upper deck
Obere Ansicht View from above
Oberkante Overhead
Oberlicht Skylight
Offizierswohbraun Wardroom
Ölspur Oil traces, oil slick
Opfer Victim
Ortungsgeräte Position locator
Ostwärts Eastbound
Otter Paravane (minsweeping gear)
Paddelboot Collapsible paddling boat
Panne Breakdown, failure
Panzerkreuzer Armored cruiser
Panzerschott Armored bulkhead
Papenberg Kolune Papenburg depth gauge
Passagierdampfer Passenger steamer
Passagierschiff Passenger ship
Passschrauben Body bound bolts, fitted bolts
Pegeln To sound, take soundings
Peilmöglichkeit Preferred bearing
Peilrohr Sounding pipe
Persenning Tarpaulin, canvas cover
Pfeife Whistle
Platte Sheet (of metal)
Platz Site, location
Plexiglasrohre Plexi glass tube
Plexiwasserstande Plexi water level
Plombiert Sealed with lead
Poller Bollards
Portalmast Gantry mast
Positionslaternen Position lights
Pott Merchant ship, occasionally warship
Probefahrt Test run, sea trial
Probefahrtsverhältnis Test run sections or divisions
Probelauf Test run, sea trial
Probieranschluss Test run connection
Profil Scanting
Proviant Supplies, provisions
Proviantübernahme Loading provisions
Prüfdock

Testing dock
Prüfstand Test bench, test stand
Prüfungsanforderungen Examination requirements
Pullen To row
Pumpenstempel Pump plunger
Pütze Bailer
Qualmenden Smoking
Quer Athwart
Querab Abeam
Querabstand Distance apart on beam
Querschiffs Athwartships (across the ship from side to side)
Querschnitt Cross-section
Querspant Transverse frame
Raanock Yardarm
Räder Gears
Rammsteven Prow
Rauchwolken Smoke clouds
Raum Compartment
Räumboot (R-Boot) Motor minesweeper
Räume die R. suchen Stand out to sea
Raumgehalt (Brutto) (Tonnengehalt) Gross tonnage
Raumgehalt (Netto) Net tonnage
Raumstütze Pillar
Recht asteraus Directly behind
Recht voraus Directly ahead
Reede Roadstead
Regenzeug Oilskin
Reißen To rupture, crack
Restarbeiten Final adjustments & overhaul
Rettungsboje Lifebuoy
Rettungsboot Lifeboat
Rettungsfahrzeug Lifeboat, rescue vessel
Rettungsfloß Life raft, float
Rettungsgerät Safety apparatus
Rettungsgürtel Lifebelt
Rettungsinsel Emergency raft
Rettungskutter Lifeboat
Rettungsleine Lifeline
Rettungsring Lifebelt
Rettungstau Lifeline
Revolverdrehbank Revolving lathe
Riemen Oar
Riemen klarmachen Ship the oars
Riss Rupture
Rot (r.) Red - Port.
Rotes Kreuz Red Cross
Rrettungsring Life preserver
Rückschlagklappe Check valve
Rückschlagventil Check valve
Ruder Oar, rudder
Rudergänger Helmsman
Rudergestänge Steering gear
Ruderinne Helm
Ruderjoch Rudder yoke
Rudermaschine Steering motor
Rumpf Hull
Sacken, ab- or weg- To founder
Sammelplatz Assembly point as for a convoy
Santär Hygienic
Sauge Suction
Saugeanschluss Suction connection
Saugestutzen Suction pipe
Saugeventil (teller) Suction valve (head)
Schaden To damage
Schäden Damage
Schadenbekämpfung Damage control
Schäkel Link in chain, clevis, shackle
Schalken Batten, close, make tight
Schalkklampen Batten, cleats
Schalkleiste Batten
Schalkstück Batten
Schalten Switching
Schaltkasten Switch box
Schaltwalze Selector
Schaluppe Sloop
Schanzkleid Bulwark
Scharf Armed
Schaumfeueröscher Foam fire extinguisher
Scheinwerfer Searchlight
Scheinwerferkegel Cone of light from searchlight
Scherboje Diverter float (minesweeping gear)
Scheren To sheer up alongside
Schiebestrom Following current
Schiff Ship
Schiffbauwerft Shipbuilding yard
Schiffbruch Shipwreck
Schiffbrüchig Shipwrecked
Schiffbrüchigen Shipwrecked
Schifffahrtshindernis Hazard to navigation
Schiffsladung Cargo
Schiffsraum Tonnage
Schiffsrumpf Hull
Schlachtflotte Battle fleet
Schlachtkreuzer Battle cruiser
Schlachtschiff Battleship
Schlapp machen Break down, collapse
Schlauchanschluss Hose connection
Schlauchboot Dinghy
Schlauchboot Inflatable rubber life raft
Schlaufe Bight
Schleife Deperming/degaussing/wiping (to reset magnetic signature)
Schleifenbehandlung Deperming treatment (to reset magnetic signature)
Schlepp Tow
Schleppleine Tow rope
Schlepptrosse Hawser
Schlieren To drag
Schliern To drag (as at anchor)
Schlingerbewegung Rolling movement
Schlippvorrichtung fur Schlepptrosse Device for jettisoning towing hawser
Schluss Clonclusion, end
Schmierbalken Ways
Schmuggelware Contraband goods
Schmutzig Foul
Schnautzbart Large (walrus/handelbar) mustache - slang for bow wave
Schnauze Bows, nose
Schneckenrader Worm gear
Schnellboot (S-boot) Motor torpedo boat
Schnellläufer High-speed vessel
Schnellschlepper Fast tug
Schoner Barkentine, schooner
Schornstein Funnel, stack
Schote Sheet, clew-line
Schott Watertight bulkhead
Schräge Raked/sloping
Schrank Locker
Schraube Propeller
Schraubensteigung Pitch (of propeller, etc.)
Schraubenwelle Propeller shaft
Schraubenzieher Screw driver
Schubstange Connecting rod
Schute Barge
Schutz Protection, Guard as for dive planes
Schütz Contactor
Schutzanstrich Protective coat
Schutzkappe Protective cover
Schutzstrebe Protective Strut
Schwabber Swab, mop
Schwabbern To drift
Schwanenhals Goose neck rubber hose
Schwarzhandel Clandestine trade, black market
Schweißen To weld
Schweißlatten Cargo battens
Schweißnaht Weldseam
Schweißspezialisten Welding specialists
Schweißung Welding
Schweißwasser Welding condensation water
Schwerer Kreuzer Heavy Cruiser
Schwergut Heavy cargo
Schwergutladegeschirr Heavy cargo loading equipment
Schwimmdock Floating dock
Schwimmend Floating, afloat
Schwimmkorper Float (minesweeping gear)
Schwimmkörper Float
Schwimmweste Life jacket, life vest, "Mae West"
Schwojen Swing (at anchor)
Seeausdauer Sea Endurance
Seebeute Prize
Seefertig Ready for sea duty
Seegeltung Prestige on the sea
Seeherrschaft Mastery of the Sea
Seeklar Ready to put to sea
Seenot Distress at sea
Seenotdienst Sea rescue service
Seeraub Piracy
Seetüchtig Seaworthy
Seewärts Seaward
Seewärts Seaward
Segelfahrzeug Sailing vessel
Segelschiff Sailing ship
Segeltuch Canvas, sail cloth
Segen Pattern of depth charges
Segler Sailboat
Sehrohrböcke Perisciope shears
Seicht Shallow
Seil Line
Seilsuzübertragung

Line transfer

Seitenflossen Elevators, hydroplanes
Seitenlicht Running light
Seitenruder Steering rudder
Seitenstringer Stringer

Selbsttätig

 Automatic
Selbstversenken Scuttle
Selterwasser machen Go astern (thus churning water)
Sheertau Sheer line

Sicherheitsgrenze

 Safety/security barrier
Sicherheitsventil Relief valve
Sicherung Protection/backup, Safety catch
Sicherungen Fuzes
Sicherungsausfall Safety/backup equipment failure
Sicherungskasten Fuze box
Sicherungsmaßnahmen Backup measures
Sicherungsschiff Coastal defence ship
Signalbombe Signal flare
Signalmunition Signal ammunition
Signalrakete Signal rocket
Signal-Schleuse Signalling lock
Simmerring Retaining ring or Shaft seal
Simmerringdichtung Retaining ring gasket
Sliphaken Slip hooks, hauling hooks
Smutje Cook (slang)
Sog Wake, swirl
Sonnensegel Awning
Spanischer Besen Hog
Spant (Sp.) Frame
Spantenriss Frame lines
Speicher Stowage battery
Speigatt Scuppers
Speigattrohre Scupper pipe
Speisewasser Boiler feed water
Sperrboot Barrage vessel
Sperrbrecher Mine Destructor Vessel - usually a converted cargo vessel which proceeded ahead of more valuable vessels to detonate mines but could be a purpose-built minesweeper.
Sperrbrecher legen To lay anti-boom defense works
Sperrversuchskommando Experimental barrage vessels.  Boom
Sperrwachboot Boom tending vessel
Spiere Boom, spar
Spieren Spars
Spill Capstan
Spillankerwinde Windlass
Spillmotor Capstan motor
Spind Locker
Spindeldurchführung Spindle guide
Spindelendschalter Terminal spindle switch
Spindelstopfbuchse Spindle bushing/stuffing box
Sprechanlage Speaking tube
Sprengboje Anti-minesweeping device
Sprengfalle Booby trap
Sprengladung Scuttling charge
Sprengpatrone Scuttling charge (cartridge type)
Sprung Crack
Spülen To wash
Staden Pier, mole, bank (of river)
Stampfen Pitch
Stand Station, position, as at
Stander Pennant or pendant
Standort Position
Standprobe Dockyard testing
Stapellauf Launching
Stauung Stowage
Stauungen Obstructions, jam ups
Stauungsplan Stowage plan
Steckachse Knockout spindle
Steg Stay
Stek Hitch or knot
Stellage Staging
Stelle Place, position
Stelling Staging
Stenge Topmast
Steuer Helm, rudder
Steuerbord (St.b.) Starboard
Steuergerät Steering gear
Steuerlastigkeit Slow on answering the helm
Steuertochter Steering repeater
Steven Post
Stevennuss Boss
Stevenrohrbuchse Stem tube bushing
Stopfbüchse Stuffing box
Stopfbuchsen Stuffing boxes
Stopfbuchsenpackung Stuffing-box packing
Stopper Gear to make a chain or line fast
Störung Break-down, damage (equipment)
Störungsgruppen Repair parties
Stranden To run aground
Strebe Stay
Streuung Dispersion, spread
Strickleiter Rope ladder
Stropp Sling or strop (tiedown)
Stückgut General cargo
Stückgutfrachter General cargo vessel
Stückpforte Porthole
Stütze Stay
Stützschott Support bulkhead
Suchscheinwerfer Searchlights
Südenwärts Southbound
Sülls Coaming
Tafel Table
Takelage Rigging
Talje Block and Tackle
Tanker (T.) Tanker
Tarnbemalung Camouflage painting
Tarnen To camouflage
Tarnung Camouflage
Tarnungsfarbe Camouflage paint
Taschenlampe Flashlight
Taucher Diver
Tauklüse Hawser hole
Taukrans Grommet
Teerlaid Tarpaulin
Teertuch Tarpaulin
Tiefgang Draught
Tiefgangsmarken Draught Mark
Tief-Kühlraum Deep freeze
Tiefladelinie Load line
Tiefseetaucher Deep sea diver
Todesfall Casualty
Tonne Metric ton, buoy
Topp Top mast
Tormast Goal mast
Torpedobergungsdampfer Torpedo recovery boat
Torpedoboot Torpedo-boat
Torpedoschutznetz Torpedo defense net
Torpedotreffer Torpedo hit
Tragboje Float (minesweeping gear)
Träger Aircraft carrier, girder (in a ship)
Tragfähigkeit Loading capacity
Treibend Adrift
Treibende mine Drifting mine
Treibgut Flotsam
Trichter Funnel
Triebschraube Propeller
Trinkwasser Drinking water
Trinkwasserzelle Drinking water compartment/tank
Trockendock Dry dock
Trockenladeraum Dry cargo hold
Trockenraum Drying room
Trossschiff Supply ship
Troug Trough
Truppentransporte Troop transport
Turm Conning tower, turret
Turm mast Tower mast (Groner symbol = A  )
Turmluk Turret hatch
Turmluklagerung Tower hatch bearing
Turmmast Tripod mast
Tyfon Air whistle
Type Model
Über Bord Overboard
Überbau Superstructure
Überdruckzeuger High pressure fresh water generator
Überfällig Overdue
Überführungsfahrt Transfer between bases
Überholen To overtake
Überholung Overhaul, maintenance period
Überkommendes Overcome by
Überlebende Survivors
Übernahmeschlauch Fuel supply hose
Überspülen To be awash
Überspült Awash
Überwasserfahrzeug Surface craft
Überwasserstreitkräfte Surface forces
U-Boot U-boat
U-Boot Bunker Submarine pen
U-Boot Päckchen Leather outfit worn by U-boat crews (slang)
U-Bootjäger (U.-Jäger) Submarine chaser
U-Bootnetz Submarine net
U-Bootsfalle Decoy ship, 'Q' ship
U-Bootskeller U-boat shelter
U-Boot-Versorger U-boat supply Vessel
U-Boot-Waffe The German Submarine Force
U-Boot-Warnung U-boat warning
U-Boot-Werft Submarine construction yard
Übung-Beispiele Practice-examples
Ueber Bord spülen Wash overboard
Umbau Rebuilding
Umdrehung Revolution
Umfangreich

Extensive, comprehansive, large
Umgestellt Readjusted, adapted
Umkippen Heel over, capsize
Unangenehm

Unpleasant, embarassing, objectionable
Undichtigkeit Leakage
Unregelmässigen Abständen Irregular intervals
Unteroffizier Petty Officer
Unteroffizierswohnraum Warrant and Petty Officers' quarters
Unterraum Hold
Unterschlupf U-boat shelter
Unterseeboot U-boat, submarine
Unterseebootjäger Submarine chaser
Unterteil Lower part, base
Unterwasserbombe Depth charge
Unterwegs Underway
Unterwegs sein To be underway
Untiefe Shoal
U-Stützpunk U-boat base
Verankern To moor
Verankerung Anchorage
Verbandskasten First-aid box
Verbesserungen Repairs, improvements, corrections
Verbindung

Cross connection

Verflüssiger Condenser
Verheerung Devastation
Verholen To shift, warp, move
Verholspill Warping capstan
Verhör Interrogation
Verhören To interrogate
Verkehrsboot Launch
Verkleidung Covering, facing
Verlustmeldung Casualty report
Vermessungsschiff Survey vessel
Verpflegungsgeld Maintenance
Versagen Breakdown, failure
Versaufloch Lowered areas of a ship's side where the gunwale is at the same height as the deck.
Versaufloch Low uncovered area of the deck which may be washed over in heavy seas
Verschanzung Bulwark
Verschollen To be missing or presumed lost
Versenkt To be sunk
Versenkungserfolge Ships sunk
Versenkungsort Sinking position
Versenkungswimpel Victory pennant flown by returning U-boats
Versorgen Provide, supply
Versorgungsboot (V-Boot) Supply vessel
Verstauen To stow
Verstellbar Adjustable
Vertäuen To moor
Vertäungstau Mooring Line
Verticalruder Vertical rudder
Verticalrudermaschine Vertical rudder motor
Verwundet To be wounded
Vierkant Athwart - across perpendicular to the centerline of a ship
Vollbeladen Fully loaded
Vollbeladene Fully loaded
Vollständig Completely
Von Geleit entlassen Released by escort
Vor Anker stampfen Pitch at anchor
Voraus Ahead
Vorder Forward
Vordermann Next ahead
Vorderpiek Fore peak
Vorderschiff Forecastle
Vorderteil Prow
Vorläufige Temporary, provisional
Vormars Foretop
Vorn Forward
Vorpiek Fore Peak
Vorpostenboot (Vp-Boot) Escort vessel (anti-aircraft escort)
Vorpostenschiff Patrol vessel
Vorräte Supplies
Vorrichtung Mechanism/apparatus
Vorschaltwiderstand Rheostatic resistors
Vorschiff Forecastle, forward part of a ship
Vorsprung Head start, protrusion
Vorsteven Stem - bow of a ship
Waagerechte Horizontal, level
Wachablösung To relieve the watch
Wachboot Patrol vessel
Wachgänger Look-out
Wachschiff Guard ship
Wahlshalter Selector switch
Walboot Whale catching boat
Warmluftanlage Warm air system
Warngebiet Danger-zone, mined area
Waschraum Wash Room
Waschwasser Wash water
Wasserbombe (Wabo) Depth Charge
Wasserdicht (Wd.) Watertight
Wassergehalt Water content
Wasserklosett Head, toilets
Wasserlauf Limber hole
Wasserlaufloch Limber holes
Wasserlinie (Wl.) Waterline
Wechselkugellagers Alternating ball bearings
Wegfieren Lower boats
Weit ab Far away
Wellenberg Wave crest
Wellenbrecher Breakwater
Werft Ship-building yard
Werftarbeiten Shipyard work
Werftbesprechung Dockyard meeting / shipyard conference
Werftliegezeit Shipyard period
Werftüberholung Shipyard overhaul
Werg Oakum
Werkstattschiff Repair ship
Westwärts Westbound
Widerstand Electrical resistor
Wieder besteigen To re-board (a ship)
Wimpel Pendant
Windabwärts Downwind
Winde Winch
Windentrommel Winch
Windschutz Windscreen
Wintergarten Platrform immediately aft of the bridge upon which anti-aircraft guns were mounted
Wohbraun Quarters
Wohnraum Living quarters
Wohnschiff Depot ship, accommodation ship
Wurfleine Heaving line
Zackt Changed course
Zahlenangabe

Parameter
Zahnkranz Gear rim, sproket
Zahnrad Gear
Zahnräder

Gear wheel
Zeichen Character, mark, symbol
Zeitbombe Time bomb
Zentrale Control room
Zersetzer Disintegrator
Zerstörer Destroyer.  Sometimes used as a generic term for convoy escort or enemy warship when conditions didn't allow the enemy vessel to be properly identified.  For example sloops, frigates, corvettes and even cruisers were also used as convoy escorts and/or to hunt U-boats
Zirpen Chirping, sound of active sonar
Zischhahn Compression valve cap
Zivilisten Civilians
Zufluchtshafen Port of refuge
Zugleich Together
Zurrings Lashings
Zurückbleiben To fall astern
Zurückfallen To fall behind
Zusammenstoß Collision
Zusammenstosz Collision (may be accidental or deliberate)
Zustand Condition
Zwangskurs Forced course change
Zweckmäßig Functional, appropriate, suitable
Zwiebel Onion - a sonar dome mounted on the upper deck at the point of the bow - unique to U-889
Zwischen Wind und Wetter Awash
Zwischenwand Bulkhead
 
     
  Aviation Vocabulary  
 
Abflug Departure
Absturz Crash
Abwurf Release (bomb from aircraft)
Abwurfgerät Bomb-release mechanism
Abwurfhöhe Bombing altitude
Abwurfschacht Bomb rack
Abwurfzielgerät Bomb sight
Amphibienflugzeug Amphibious aircraft
Anflug Approach/approach run (as for bombing run for aircraft)
Angriffsflug Air attack
Angriffshöhe Attack altitude
Aufklärungsbomber Patrol bomber
Aufklärungsflug Reconnaissance flight
Aufklärungsstaffel Patrol squadron
Auslösepunkt Bomb release point
Bombenangriff Bombing attack
Bombeneinschlag Bomb impact
Bombenflieger Bomber
Bombenkammer Bomb bay
Bombenlast Bomb load
Bombenreihe Train of bombs
Bombenschacht Bomb bay
Bombentiefangriff Low-level bombing attack
Bombentreffer Bomb hit
Bombenvolltreffer Direct bomb hit
Bordaufklärer Shipboard reconnaissance aircraft
Bordbesatzung Air crew
Bordmannschaft Air crew
Bordwaffenbeschuss Fire from aircraft weapons, strafing
Brummer Fuselage (aircraft)
Decklandeflugzeug Carrier-borne aircraft
Doppeldecker Biplane
Drehflügelflugzeug Rotary wing aircraft
Eindecker Single wing aircraft
Einmotorig Single engine aircraft
Einrumpfflugzeug Single-fuselage aircraft
Einsitzer Single-seat aircraft
Fahrgestell Landing gear
Fallbahn Bomb trajectory
Fallschirm Parachute
Fernaufklärer Long-range reconnaissance aircraft
Fernbomber Long-range bomber
Fleuzgug (Flgz.) Aircraft
Flieger Aircraft, aircraft crew member
Fliegerbombe (Fliebo) Aircraft bomb
Flug Flight, flying
Flugboot Flying boat
Flugdeck Flight deck of aircraft carrier
Flügel Wing
Flugmotor Aircraft engine
Flugsicherungsschiff Aircraft support ship
Flugstützpunkt Air base
Flugstützpunktschiff Catapult ship
Flugwesen Aviation
Flugzeuggeschwader Naval aircraft wing
Flugzeugkanone Aircraft cannon
Flugzeugmutterschiff Aircraft-carrier (transport only)
Flugzeugrumpf Fuselage
Flugzeugschleuder Catapult (plane)
Flugzeugstaffel Squadron
Flugzeugträger Aircraft-carrier
Frontflugzeug Combat aircraft
Gabelschwanz Twin tail
Geleitträger Escort carrier
Geschwader Squadron
Gleitanflug Continuous descent
Gleitanflugverfahren Continuous descent approach
Halbstarres Luftschiff Semi-rigid airship
Halle Hall, hangar
Heckkanzel Tail turret
Heckstand Tail-gun position
Heckwaffe Tail-gun
Heimatflughafen Home base (aircraft)
Hochangriff High altitude bombing
Hochdecker High-wing monoplane
Kette Flight of three aircraft
Kippwinkel Angle of bank/tipping angle
Kokarde Roundel - circular national marking on an aircraft fuselage or wing
Landedeck Flight deck
Landescheinwerfer Landing light
Landgestütztes Flugzeug Land-based aircraft
Leitwerk Tail assembly
Leuchtbombe Aircraft parachute flare
Luftfahrzeug Aircraft
Luftgegner Hostile aircraft
Luftschiff Airship
Maschinengewehrangriff Strafing attack
Mehrmotorig Multi-engined
Mittleldecker Mid-wing monoplane
Radflugzug Wheeled aircraft
Rauchbombe Smoke bomb
Reihenwurf Train release
Rotte A tactical element of two ships or aircraft
Schraubenflugzeug Helicopter
Schüttwurf Salvo release of bombs
Speerballon Barrage balloon
Spitzenflugzeug Lead aircraft
Sprengbombe Demolition bomb
Stukaangriff Dive-bombing attack
Tagestiefangriff Daylight low-level attack
Tiefflugangriff Low-level attack
Torpedojäger Torpedo bomber
Trägerflugzeug Carrier-based aircraft
Tragschrauber Autogyro aircraft
Vordere Kanzel Nose turret
Waagerechtbombenwurf Level-flight bombardment
Wasserflugzeug Seaplane
Wasserlandflugzeug Amphibious aircraft
Wasserlandung Alighting of seaplane
Wasseroberfläche Water surface
Zivilluftverkehr Civilian air traffic
Zweimotorig Twin-engine aircraft
 
     
   

 

 

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