die Feder
feather
One of the light, horn-like structures that cover the skin of birds and enable them to fly.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind hat eine bunte Feder vom Pfau gefunden.
The child found a colorful feather from a peacock.
die Feder
feather / spring
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Feder
spring
An elastic machine element made of metal that can store and release energy, for example in clocks, vehicles, or ballpoint pens.
EXAMPLE
Die Feder in meinem Kugelschreiber ist kaputt.
The spring in my ballpoint pen is broken.
die Feder
quill / authorship
A historical writing instrument made from a bird feather (quill). Figuratively, it can also stand for a person's authorship or writing style.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Roman stammt aus der Feder eines unbekannten Autors.
This novel comes from the pen of an unknown author.
Usage tips
Context clues
The three main meanings of 'Feder' (feather / spring) can be distinguished well by context. In connection with birds, pillows, or lightness, it refers to a bird feather. In technology, machines, or vehicles, it means a metal spring. In the context of literature and writing, it refers to a quill or authorship.
EXAMPLE
Das Kissen ist mit weichen Federn gefüllt.
The pillow is filled with soft feathers.
Word family
The word family shows the core qualities of 'Feder' (feather / spring). The adjective 'federleicht' (light as a feather) describes something very light. The verb 'federn' means to absorb a shock elastically, which points to the function of the metal spring.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Jacke ist federleicht und trotzdem warm.
The new jacket is light as a feather and still warm.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich mit fremden Federn schmücken' means that someone presents another person's achievement or ideas as their own in order to make themselves look better.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Idee von seiner Kollegin geklaut und schmückt sich jetzt mit fremden Federn.
He stole the idea from his colleague and is now taking credit for someone else's work.
Typical context
In the technical sense, you often find 'Feder' (spring) in everyday objects. Typical contexts are the spring in a mattress, in a ballpoint pen, or as part of a vehicle's suspension.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Matratze ist durchgelegen, weil die Federn darin müde sind.
The old mattress is sagging because the springs inside it are worn out.
Register and usage
The expression 'aus jemandes Feder stammen' (to come from someone's pen) is an elevated and slightly figurative way to express authorship. It is used mainly in written language to say who wrote or composed something.
EXAMPLE
Man erkennt sofort, dass dieser kritische Kommentar aus ihrer Feder stammt.
You can immediately tell that this critical commentary comes from her pen.
In real life
Loading video examples...