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
der Geier
vulture
A derogatory term for a greedy person who waits to profit from the misfortune or failure of others.
EXAMPLE
Kaum war die Firma insolvent, stürzten sich die Geier auf die Überreste.
As soon as the company was insolvent, the vultures swooped down on the remains.
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.
In real life
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