01
der Flieger
plane
(Colloquial) An airplane.
example
Unser Flieger nach Mallorca hat eine Stunde Verspätung.
Our plane to Mallorca is delayed by one hour.
der Flieger
plane / pilot
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation
'Der Flieger' (plane/pilot) is derived from the verb 'fliegen' (to fly) with the ending '-er'. This ending can refer both to a person who does something (pilot) and to a device that does something (airplane).
EXAMPLE
Der Flieger ist sicher gelandet.
The plane landed safely.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Flieger' (plane/pilot) from the context. If it is about travel or takeoff and landing, it means an airplane. If it is about controlling the aircraft, it means a pilot. In a military context, it refers to air force soldiers.
EXAMPLE
Der Flieger nach Berlin startet in einer Stunde.
The plane to Berlin leaves in an hour.
Register
When 'Flieger' means an airplane, it is a colloquial expression. In more formal contexts or in written language, 'das Flugzeug' (the airplane) is usually used.
EXAMPLE
Wann geht unser Flieger morgen früh?
When does our plane leave tomorrow morning?
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Flugzeug' (airplane), 'Flieger' (plane) is often combined with verbs of travel: 'den Flieger nehmen' (to take the plane), 'den Flieger verpassen' (to miss the plane), or 'im Flieger sitzen' (to be sitting on the plane).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen uns beeilen, sonst verpassen wir den Flieger.
We have to hurry, otherwise we'll miss the plane.
Compare with
Flieger vs Maschine
machine
'die Maschine' and 'der Flieger' can both colloquially mean an airplane. Both words mainly fit in conversations about travel and flights. 'Flieger' sounds very casual and everyday. 'Maschine' is also used colloquially, but often sounds a bit more typical in sentences about takeoff, landing, or delays. Learners may confuse the words because neither is the neutral standard word. In addition, 'der Flieger' can also mean a person who flies an airplane. If you want to be clear and neutral, 'Flugzeug' is the clearest choice; between 'Maschine' and 'Flieger', the conversation context often decides.
Flieger
Im Büro erzählt der Kunde, dass sein Flieger am Abend geht.
At the office, the customer says that his plane leaves in the evening.
Maschine
Die Maschine aus Madrid ist pünktlich gelandet.
The plane from Madrid landed on time.
In real life
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