Dampfer

Dampfer is a German noun with two principal meanings. Historically, a Dampfer denotes a steamship or steamer—any vessel powered by a steam engine. The term derives from Dampf, steam, with the agent suffix -fer, and is the direct German counterpart of the English word steamer. It appears in nautical and historical texts to describe passenger, cargo, or naval ships of the steam era, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In contemporary German, Dampfer is also colloquial for a person who uses an electronic cigarette. In vape communities, a Dampfer is someone who uses a vape device to inhale nicotine or other substances; the act is called Dampfen. The usage is common in everyday speech and online forums. The meaning is usually inferred from context and can be neutral or casual or slightly humorous depending on tone.

Dampfer thus covers two distinct senses: a historical maritime term and a modern subcultural label. Clear communication depends on context, with naval references unlikely to be confused with discussions of vaping.