der Abflug
departure
The takeoff of an airplane from an airport.
EXAMPLE
Der Abflug nach Mallorca hat sich um eine Stunde verspätet.
The departure to Mallorca has been delayed by an hour.
der Abflug
departure
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Meanings
den Abflug machen
to take off
Colloquial for leaving a place; to head off.
EXAMPLE
Es wird spät, ich glaube, ich mache jetzt mal den Abflug.
It's getting late; I think I'll take off now.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Abflug' (departure) is the noun form of the separable verb 'abfliegen' (to depart by plane). The prefix 'ab-' expresses separation or movement away here, which fits the takeoff of an airplane.
EXAMPLE
Wann fliegen wir morgen ab?
When do we depart tomorrow?
Colloquial expression
The expression 'den Abflug machen' means colloquially 'to leave' or 'to disappear.' It is mostly used in informal situations among friends or acquaintances.
EXAMPLE
Die Party ist langweilig, lass uns den Abflug machen.
The party is boring; let's take off.
Typical collocations
In the context of airports, you often hear: 'der Abflug verzögert sich' (the departure is delayed), 'die Zeit für den Abflug' (the departure time), or 'der Abflug erfolgt von Gate B24' (the departure is from gate B24).
EXAMPLE
Bitte beachten Sie die Anzeigetafel für die genaue Zeit Ihres Abflugs.
Please check the display board for the exact time of your departure.
Context clue
The literal meaning is always connected with travel, airplanes, and airports. You can recognize the colloquial meaning from the fixed structure 'den Abflug machen' (to take off/leave).
EXAMPLE
Unser Abflug war für 10:00 Uhr geplant.
Our departure was planned for 10:00.
Compare with
Abflug vs Start
start
For an airplane, Start refers to the actual moment of takeoff. Abflug has a broader meaning: the airplane leaves the airport and the flight begins. Use Start when you mean the exact takeoff; use Abflug for the departure from the airport.
Abflug
Der Abflug des Flugzeugs nach Wien ist für neun Uhr geplant.
The airplane's departure for Vienna is scheduled for 9 a.m.
Start
Der Start des Flugzeugs verzögerte sich, weil es wegen des Nebels nicht abheben konnte.
The airplane's takeoff was delayed because it could not take off due to the fog.
In real life
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