01
der Anflug
approach
The final phase of a flight, in which an aircraft approaches the airport and prepares to land.
example
Das Flugzeug befindet sich jetzt im Anflug auf Berlin-Brandenburg.
The plane is now on approach to Berlin-Brandenburg.
der Anflug
approach / trace
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of the prefix 'an-' and the noun 'Flug' (flight). The literal meaning, flying toward a destination, is used in aviation and is metaphorically transferred to feelings or qualities.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot bereitete den Anflug auf den Flughafen vor.
The pilot prepared the approach to the airport.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about airplanes and airports, it refers to the landing phase. In connection with feelings or qualities, it means a barely noticeable trace.
EXAMPLE
Die Passagiere wurden gebeten, sich für den Anflug anzuschnallen.
The passengers were asked to fasten their seat belts for the approach.
Use in aviation
In the context of aviation, 'Anflug' (approach) is often used with the preposition 'in' or 'zu'. Typical phrases are 'sich im Anflug befinden' (to be on approach) or 'zum Anflug ansetzen' (to begin the approach).
EXAMPLE
Der Tower meldete, dass sich die Maschine im Anflug auf Landebahn 2 befindet.
The tower reported that the aircraft is on approach to runway 2.
A hint of feeling
In the figurative meaning, 'Anflug' (hint/trace) is almost always used in the fixed phrase 'ein Anflug von' + noun. It describes a weak, barely visible emotion or quality.
EXAMPLE
Sie sagte es mit einem Anflug von Ironie in der Stimme.
She said it with a hint of irony in her voice.
Compare with
Anflug vs Spur
track / trace
'die Spur' and 'der Anflug' can both mean something very faint or barely noticeable. 'eine Spur von etwas' (a trace of something) is general and can be used with amounts, feelings, or impressions. 'ein Anflug von etwas' (a hint of something) is especially often used for brief feelings or qualities, for example 'ein Anflug von Ärger' (a hint of anger), 'Angst' (fear), or 'Humor' (humor). The words can be confused because both can mean 'a little bit'. However, 'Anflug' sounds more like something that appears briefly and then disappears again.
Anflug
Bei der Frage zeigte sie einen Anflug von Nervosität.
At the question, she showed a hint of nervousness.
Spur
Auf dem Tisch lag noch eine Spur von Mehl.
There was still a trace of flour on the table.
In real life
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