pinball / flipper
der Flipper, die Flipper
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pinball
A pinball machine with a slanted playing surface on which a metal ball rolls. Using movable flippers, players try to keep the ball in play and score points.
In der Kneipe steht ein alter Flipper, an dem wir oft spielen.
There is an old pinball machine in the pub that we often play on.
flipper
A movable lever in a pinball machine that the player uses to hit the ball back onto the playing surface.
Der rechte Flipper reagiert nicht mehr, wenn ich den Knopf am Automaten drücke.
The right flipper no longer responds when I press the button on the machine.
flipper
In zoology, a paddle-shaped forelimb of certain aquatic animals, especially whales and seals.
Der Wal steuert beim Schwimmen mit seinen beiden Flippern.
The whale steers while swimming with its two flippers.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Flipper |
| genitive | des Flippers |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Flipper | die Flipper |
| accusative | den Flipper | die Flipper |
| dative | dem Flipper | den Flippern |
| genitive | des Flippers | der Flipper |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The meaning can often be identified from the words that accompany it: 'Kugel' (ball), 'Punkte' (points), and 'Automat' (machine) indicate the pinball machine, while 'rechter' (right) or 'linker' (left) indicate one of its flippers. When referring to whales, seals, or other aquatic animals, 'Flipper' means a body part.
Der Flipper steht seit Jahren neben der Jukebox.
The pinball machine has been standing next to the jukebox for years.
Der linke Flipper funktioniert an diesem Automaten nicht.
The left flipper on this machine doesn't work.
Der Delfin bewegt seine Flipper beim Schwimmen.
The dolphin moves its flippers while swimming.
For the pinball machine, the phrase 'am Flipper spielen' (to play pinball) is especially common. Here, 'am' is short for 'an dem' and refers to the machine on which one plays.
Nach der Schule spielten wir noch eine Runde am Flipper.
After school, we played another round of pinball.
The flipper is often identified by its position, for example as the 'rechte Flipper' (right flipper) or 'linke Flipper' (left flipper). This makes it clear exactly which flipper is meant.
Der rechte Flipper schlägt die Kugel nicht mehr zurück.
The right flipper no longer hits the ball back.
In its zoological meaning, 'Flipper' often occurs with words for body parts and movement. Typical collocations include 'mit den Flippern schwimmen' (to swim with one's flippers), 'die Flipper bewegen' (to move one's flippers), and 'mit den Flippern steuern' (to steer with one's flippers).
Die Robbe bewegt ihre Flipper, während sie durch das Wasser gleitet.
The seal moves its flippers as it glides through the water.
