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
der Anflug
trace / hint
A barely noticeable trace or slight hint of something, usually a feeling or quality.
EXAMPLE
Er konnte einen Anflug von Panik in ihrer Stimme nicht überhören.
He could not fail to hear a hint of panic in her voice.
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
Spur and Anflug both refer to something that is only faintly perceptible. Spur is more likely to describe a small amount that is present or left behind. Anflug usually describes a slight impression that is just beginning to emerge, especially with feelings or qualities.
Anflug
Als sie die Absage hörte, zeigte sich ein Anflug von Enttäuschung in ihrer Stimme.
When she heard the rejection, a hint of disappointment appeared in her voice.
Spur
Nach der Absage blieb in ihrer Stimme eine Spur Enttäuschung zurück.
After the rejection, a trace of disappointment remained in her voice.
In real life
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