airfield
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airfield
An area with runways for aircraft, usually smaller and more simply equipped than a large commercial airport. It is often used for private planes, gliders, or recreational aviation.
Am Wochenende treffen sich die Segelflieger auf dem örtlichen Flugplatz.
On the weekend, the glider pilots meet at the local airfield.
'Der Flugplatz' (airfield) is made up of 'Flug-' (from 'der Flug' — the flight) and 'der Platz' (the place/space). So it is literally a place for flights.
Vom Hügel aus kann man den ganzen Flugplatz überblicken.
From the hill, you can see the whole airfield.
An airfield is often described with adjectives such as 'klein' (small), 'privat' (private), or 'örtlich' (local). Common activities include 'Segelfliegen' (gliding) or 'Rundflüge' (sightseeing flights).
Der örtliche Flugplatz wird hauptsächlich von Segelfliegern genutzt.
The local airfield is mainly used by glider pilots.
To indicate a position, you use 'auf dem Flugplatz' (at/on the airfield). To express movement to it, you say 'zum Flugplatz' (to the airfield).
Das Flugzeug steht schon auf dem Flugplatz bereit.
The plane is already waiting at the airfield.
airport
Flughafen usually refers to a larger airfield with buildings for the regular handling of passengers and freight. A Flugplatz is often smaller and more simply equipped, and is also used for private planes, gliders, or recreational aviation. The distinction is not always clear-cut, however.
Für unseren Segelflug treffen wir uns früh am kleinen Flugplatz.
We’re meeting early at the small airfield for our gliding flight.
Für unseren Flug nach Madrid fahren wir früh zum Flughafen.
We’re leaving early for the airport for our flight to Madrid.
