This is the 1770th most frequent German word.
kiel
"Kiel" in German means "keel," the structural base of a ship's hull.
In this sentence, 'kiel' refers to the structural component of a boat or ship that runs along the bottom of its hull. It is used in the specific context of naval construction.
Der Kiel des Bootes ist aus massivem Holz gefertigt.
The keel of the boat is made of solid wood.
Here, 'kiel' may refer metaphorically or technically to a structural line or ridge found in a natural object, such as a fossil. The context is more scientific.
Eine Gruppe von Wissenschaftlern untersuchte einen fossilen Kiel.
A group of scientists examined a fossilized keel.
In this example, 'kiel' is again used in its literal meaning referring to the foundational structure of a ship, specifically highlighting its importance in stability.