pipe dream / castle in the air
das Luftschloss, die Luftschlösser
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pipe dream
A beautiful but unrealistic idea, an impossible plan, or a cherished dream.
Sein Plan, ohne Ausbildung eine eigene Firma zu gründen, war ein Luftschloss.
His plan to start his own company without any training was a pipe dream.
to build castles in the air
To make unrealistic plans or indulge in pleasant but barely achievable ideas.
Du solltest aufhören, Luftschlösser zu bauen, und endlich einen realistischen Plan machen.
You should stop building castles in the air and finally make a realistic plan.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Luftschlösser |
| genitive | des Luftschlosses |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Luftschloss | die Luftschlösser |
| accusative | das Luftschloss | die Luftschlösser |
| dative | dem Luftschloss | den Luftschlössern |
| genitive | des Luftschlosses | der Luftschlösser |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Luftschloss' (castle in the air) is made up of 'Luft' (air) and 'Schloss' (castle). The image describes a castle that exists only in the air and therefore has no solid foundation.
Ihre Idee von einem Haus auf dem Mars blieb ein Luftschloss.
Her idea of a house on Mars remained a pipe dream.
'Luftschloss' (pipe dream) frequently occurs with verbs such as 'sein' (to be), 'bleiben' (to remain), and 'sich erweisen als' (to prove to be). It is often used to describe a plan that cannot be realized.
Der Traum von einer Weltreise ohne Geld erwies sich als Luftschloss.
The dream of traveling around the world without any money proved to be a pipe dream.
The expression 'Luftschlösser bauen' (to build castles in the air) is usually used in the plural. It describes someone becoming deeply absorbed in pleasant ideas or plans without realistically considering whether they can be carried out.
Während andere nach Lösungen suchten, baute er weiter Luftschlösser.
While the others were looking for solutions, he continued building castles in the air.
