01
der Adler
eagle
A large bird of prey with a sharp beak, strong talons, and excellent eyesight.
example
Hoch am Himmel kreiste ein Adler auf der Suche nach Beute.
High in the sky, an eagle circled in search of prey.
der Adler
eagle
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Meanings
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Usage tips
National symbol
The eagle is an important heraldic animal for many countries, including Germany ('der Bundesadler' — the federal eagle), Austria, and the USA. In this context, it symbolizes strength, sovereignty, and power.
EXAMPLE
Der Bundesadler ist auf dem deutschen Reisepass abgebildet.
The federal eagle is shown on the German passport.
Animal or symbol?
The context tells you whether the bird or the symbol is meant. Words like 'Wappen' (coat of arms), 'Flagge' (flag), 'Münze' (coin), or names of countries point to the symbolic meaning.
EXAMPLE
Auf der österreichischen 1-Euro-Münze ist der Adler zu sehen.
The eagle can be seen on the Austrian 1-euro coin.
Typical verbs
When referring to the animal, 'Adler' (eagle) is often combined with verbs of movement and hunting. Typical phrases are 'ein Adler kreist am Himmel' (an eagle circles in the sky), 'ein Adler jagt seine Beute' (an eagle hunts its prey), or 'ein Adler baut sein Nest' (an eagle builds its nest).
EXAMPLE
Wir beobachteten, wie der Adler majestätisch über dem Tal schwebte.
We watched as the eagle glided majestically over the valley.
Compare with
Adler vs Geier
vulture
'der Adler' and 'der Geier' are both large birds of prey. 'der Adler' usually hunts live animals and is often associated with strength and sharp eyesight. 'der Geier' mainly eats carrion, that is, dead animals. Learners may confuse the words because both are large birds with strong beaks and can circle high in the sky. If you mean a proud hunter, 'Adler' is more likely to fit; if the bird eats dead animals, 'Geier' is more precise.
Adler
Über dem See kreiste ein Adler und suchte nach Beute.
An eagle circled over the lake, looking for prey.
Geier
In der Wüste warteten mehrere Geier neben einem toten Tier.
In the desert, several vultures waited beside a dead animal.
In real life
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