>>2521806"Die" is not necessarily female. You can use "die" to describe inanimate objects, concepts or multiple groups of people too.
Die Flasche.
Die Wehrmacht.
Die Matrosen.
Die Prinz Eugen.
Although "Die" is used as more of a shortcut, in the german language.
So I don't have to say "Das Schiff" Prinz Eugen.
With "Die Prinz Eugen" its clear I'm not actually talking of the actual Prinz Eugen. As it would hint at somebody alive. Well and if I use "Die Prinz Eugen" to actually describe a woman, it would be "Die Prinzessin Eugen."
So no German ships were given male names and were treated as male ships. Since they were meant to represent certain German people, who were male themselves. Wouldn't make sense otherwise. Else we would disrespect our own people by treating important figures of our history, like girls.
