das Flugzeug
airplane
A motorized aircraft with wings that is heavier than air and is used to transport people or cargo.
EXAMPLE
Unser Flugzeug nach Mallorca startet in einer Stunde.
Our airplane to Mallorca takes off in an hour.
das Flugzeug
airplane
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Flug' (flight, from 'fliegen' — to fly) and 'Zeug' (stuff/equipment). 'Zeug' is an old word for 'Gerät' (device) or 'Sache' (thing) and is also found in 'Fahrzeug' (vehicle) or 'Werkzeug' (tool). A 'Flugzeug' (airplane) is therefore literally a 'flying device'.
EXAMPLE
Mein neues Werkzeug liegt noch im Auto.
My new tool is still in the car.
Important prepositions
Different prepositions are used depending on the situation: you travel 'mit dem Flugzeug' (by airplane, means of transport), you sit 'im Flugzeug' (in the airplane, location), and you board by getting 'ins Flugzeug' (onto the airplane, direction).
EXAMPLE
Wir fliegen mit dem Flugzeug nach Spanien.
We are flying to Spain by airplane.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Flugzeug' (airplane) are 'starten' (to take off), 'landen' (to land), and 'besteigen' (to board/get on).
EXAMPLE
Das Flugzeug landet pünktlich um 15:30 Uhr.
The airplane lands on time at 3:30 p.m.
Compare with
Flugzeug vs Maschine
machine
Both words can refer to a specific aircraft. „Das Flugzeug“ is the unambiguous, neutral term, while „die Maschine“ is a common informal term in travel and aviation contexts. Use „Flugzeug“ when the clear standard term is important, and „Maschine“ in a familiar context.
Flugzeug
Wegen eines technischen Problems startet das Flugzeug erst zwei Stunden später.
Because of a technical problem, the airplane will not take off until two hours later.
Maschine
Wegen eines technischen Problems startet die Maschine erst zwei Stunden später.
Because of a technical problem, the plane will not take off until two hours later.
In real life
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