01
die Landebahn
runway
A paved, level strip at an airport on which aircraft land and take off.
example
Das Flugzeug setzte sanft auf der nassen Landebahn auf.
The airplane touched down gently on the wet runway.
die Landebahn
runway
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Landebahn' (runway) is a compound noun made from the verb 'landen' (to land) and the noun 'die Bahn' (track/strip). So it literally describes a strip on which one lands.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot bat um Erlaubnis, die Bahn für die Landung zu benutzen.
The pilot asked for permission to use the runway for landing.
Correct preposition
With 'Landebahn' (runway), the preposition 'auf' (on/onto) is used. You use the dative for location ('auf der Landebahn', on the runway) and the accusative for movement toward it ('auf die Landebahn', onto the runway).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Nebels warteten mehrere Flugzeuge auf der Landebahn.
Because of the fog, several airplanes were waiting on the runway.
Taking off and landing
Although it contains the word 'landen' (to land), a 'Landebahn' (runway) is also used for takeoff. That is why you often also hear the term 'Start- und Landebahn' (takeoff and landing runway).
EXAMPLE
Das Flugzeug beschleunigte auf der Start- und Landebahn und hob ab.
The airplane accelerated on the takeoff and landing runway and lifted off.
Compare with
Landebahn vs Piste
slope / runway / track
'die Piste' and 'die Landebahn' can both mean the strip at an airfield where airplanes take off and land. 'Landebahn' is the more precise word, especially when it is about landing. 'Piste' is more general and can mean the runway at an airfield, but it also has many other meanings. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in an airport context. If you are clearly talking about airplanes and the airport, 'Landebahn' is clearer. 'Piste' is also understood there, but without context it can easily mean something else.
Landebahn
Kurz vor der Landung sah Selma die Lichter der Landebahn.
Shortly before landing, Selma saw the lights of the runway.
Piste
Wegen des Schnees musste die Piste am Flughafen zuerst geräumt werden.
Because of the snow, the runway at the airport had to be cleared first.
In real life
Loading video examples...