Bordgang

/ˈbɔʁtɡaŋ/
gangway

Der Bordgang des Schiffes war mit Teppichen ausgelegt.

The ship's gangway was carpeted.


Engineering
nautical

The narrow passage or walkway along the side of a ship or boat, typically used for boarding or disembarking.

Passagiere betraten das Schiff über den Bordgang.

Passengers boarded the ship via the gangway.

In maritime contexts, 'Bordgang' specifically refers to the side passage of a vessel, distinct from the main deck or interior walkways.

Collocations

über den Bordgang gehento go down the gangwayBordgang des Schiffesship's gangway

Pro Tip

Nautical Context

Remember that 'Bordgang' is specific to ships and boats. In everyday German, 'Gang' alone refers to a corridor or aisle, while 'Bord' can mean 'board' (as in a wooden plank) or 'side' (as in 'an Bord' = on board).

Gold Rule

Ship vs. Ship's Side

Use 'Bordgang' only for the side passage of a vessel. For the interior corridor of a ship, use 'Korridor' or 'Durchgang'.

Word Origin

From German 'Bord' (meaning 'board' or 'side of a ship') + 'Gang' (meaning 'walk' or 'passage'). The compound directly translates to 'side passage' or 'gangway' in nautical terms.

Usage Notes

Primarily used in maritime and nautical contexts. Avoid confusion with 'Bord' (board) or 'Gang' (corridor) in non-nautical settings.

Word Breakdown

Bord
side of a ship or board
root
+
Gang
walk or passage
root
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