01
der Geier
vulture
A large bird of prey that feeds mainly on carrion, that is, dead animals.
example
Hoch am Himmel kreisten die Geier über der Savanne.
High in the sky, the vultures circled over the savanna.
der Geier
vulture
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The expression 'Weiß der Geier!' is a colloquial idiom. It means 'I have no idea' or 'Who knows?'
EXAMPLE
Wo mein Schlüssel ist? Weiß der Geier!
Where is my key? Who knows!
Figurative meaning
Calling a person a 'Geier' (vulture) is a strong, negative metaphor. It describes someone who greedily waits for the failure or misfortune of others in order to profit from it.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Testamentseröffnung zeigten sich die Verwandten als wahre Geier.
After the will was read, the relatives showed themselves to be real vultures.
Typical expression
The figurative meaning is often used in the phrase 'sich wie die Geier auf etwas stürzen' (to pounce on something like vultures). This describes greedy and ruthless behavior.
EXAMPLE
Als der Ausverkauf begann, stürzten sich die Kunden wie die Geier auf die reduzierten Waren.
When the sale began, the customers pounced on the discounted goods like vultures.
Compare with
Geier vs Adler
eagle
'der Adler' and 'der Geier' are both large birds of prey. 'der Adler' usually hunts live animals and is often associated with strength and sharp eyesight. 'der Geier' mainly eats carrion, that is, dead animals. Learners may confuse the words because both are large birds with strong beaks and can circle high in the sky. If you mean a proud hunter, 'Adler' is more likely to fit; if the bird eats dead animals, 'Geier' is more precise.
Geier
In der Wüste warteten mehrere Geier neben einem toten Tier.
In the desert, several vultures waited beside a dead animal.
Adler
Über dem See kreiste ein Adler und suchte nach Beute.
An eagle circled over the lake, looking for prey.
In real life
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