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
der Adler
eagle
The symbolic representation of an eagle, often used as a heraldic animal for states, families, or organizations.
EXAMPLE
Der deutsche Bundesadler ist auf vielen offiziellen Dokumenten und Münzen abgebildet.
The German federal eagle is shown on many official documents and coins.
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 Eagle
eagle
“Eagle” was the fixed proper name of the Apollo 11 lunar module and is therefore not translated. “Adler” refers to the bird and only gives the German meaning of this name. “Eagle” is therefore the appropriate term for the spacecraft itself.
Adler
Der Name der Mondlandefähre bedeutet auf Deutsch Adler.
The name of the lunar module means eagle in German.
Eagle
Die Mondlandefähre Eagle setzte 1969 auf dem Mond auf.
The lunar module Eagle landed on the moon in 1969.
In real life
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