A U-Boat is a type of submarine used by the German Navy, particularly during World War I and World War II. The term "U-Boat" comes from the German word "Unterseeboot," meaning "undersea boat." These vessels were primarily designed for stealthy underwater warfare, targeting enemy ships and disrupting supply lines. U-Boats played a significant role in naval battles, employing torpedoes to sink merchant and military vessels. Their effectiveness led to the implementation of convoy systems by the Allies, which aimed to protect ships from U-Boat attacks. The use of U-Boats significantly influenced naval strategies during both world wars.