die  Marina

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/maʁiˈna/

⚓ What exactly is a Marina?

The German word die Marina refers to a specific type of harbor designed for pleasure boats, yachts, and smaller recreational vessels. Unlike large industrial or commercial ports (Handelshäfen), a Marina is typically geared towards the needs of recreational skippers and offers corresponding service facilities such as berths (Liegeplätze), utilities (water, electricity), sanitary facilities, and often restaurants or boat accessory shops.

There is only one article for this word in this context: die. It is a feminine noun.

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse it with the female first name Marina, which also exists but has a different meaning (person).

📖 Grammar in Detail: Die Marina

The noun „Marina“ is feminine. It is used with the article die.

Example Sentences

• Die neue Marina bietet Platz für über 200 Yachten. (The new marina offers space for over 200 yachts.)
• Wir legen unser Boot in der Marina von Portofino an. (We are mooring our boat in the marina of Portofino.)
• Die Gebühren für einen Liegeplatz in dieser Marina sind recht hoch. (The fees for a berth in this marina are quite high.)
• Im Sommer ist die Marina voller Leben. (In summer, the marina is full of life.)

⛵ When and how to use "Marina"?

The term die Marina is primarily used in the context of water sports (Wassersport), tourism (Tourismus), and boating/shipping (Schifffahrt).

• Typical use cases: Describing harbors for recreational boats, specifying mooring locations, discussing boat holidays or sailing trips.
• Context: You often find the word in travel guides (Reiseführer), on websites of coastal towns, in sailing magazines, or in conversations among boat owners.
• Distinction: A Marina is more specific than a general Hafen (port), which can also include cargo ships etc. It is primarily intended for pleasure and sports boats. A Bootshafen (boat harbor) is a very similar term, often used synonymously. A Yachthafen (yacht harbor) is also a synonym.

🧠 Mnemonics for Marina

Article Mnemonic: Think of the ending '-a'. Many German feminine nouns end in 'a', like Marina. So it's die Marina. Imagine a graceful lady named Marina standing by the harbor – ladies are often associated with the feminine article 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds very much like the English word "marine". A Marina is a harbor directly related to marine life – water and boats.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Potential for Confusion:

• der Hafen: General term for 'port' or 'harbor', can include marinas but also other types.
• die Marine: The navy (naval forces), unrelated to the mooring place.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Tourist den Hafenmeister: "Ist das hier eine teure Marina?"
Antwortet der Hafenmeister: "Nein, die ersten 10 Minuten Anlegen sind kostenlos. Danach wird's allerdings ankertreuer!"

Translation:
A tourist asks the harbor master: "Is this an expensive marina?"
The harbor master replies: "No, the first 10 minutes of mooring are free. After that, however, it gets anchor-expensive!" (Pun on "ankertreu" - loyal as an anchor / anchor-true, and "teuer" - expensive)

📜 Poem about the Marina

Wo Boote sanft im Wasser wiegen,
und Möwen über Masten fliegen.
Da liegt geschützt, bei Sonnenschein,
die Marina, hübsch und fein.
Ein Platz für Träume, salzig, klar,
das Tor zur Reise, wunderbar.

Translation:
Where boats gently sway in the water,
and seagulls fly over masts.
There lies protected, in sunshine bright,
the marina, pretty and slight.
A place for dreams, salty, clear,
the gate to journeys, wonderfully dear.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Hafen, doch nicht für Fracht,
biete Yachten Schutz bei Tag und Nacht.
Mit Stegen, Strom und Wasser rein,
lade ich zum Verweilen ein.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I am a harbor, but not for freight,
Offering yachts shelter, day and night.
With jetties, power, and water pure,
I invite you to linger, rest assured.

What am I?

Solution: die Marina

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Origin: The word "Marina" comes from Italian (marina), originally meaning „coast“ or „belonging to the sea“. It derives from the Latin word marinus, which also means „belonging to the sea“. Its adoption into German occurred in the context of growing boat tourism.

Cultural Significance: Marinas are often social hubs and centers of maritime life in coastal and lakeside areas.