01
der Orbit
orbit
The path of a celestial body or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon.
example
Die Internationale Raumstation ISS befindet sich in einem niedrigen Erdorbit.
The International Space Station ISS is in low Earth orbit.
der Orbit
orbit
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
'Orbit' is a technical term from astronomy and space travel. In everyday language, the German word 'Umlaufbahn' (orbit) is often used, but in the news or scientific texts, 'Orbit' is very common.
EXAMPLE
Der Satellit wurde erfolgreich in den Orbit gebracht.
The satellite was successfully put into orbit.
Movement and position
The preposition 'in' is used with the dative to describe a position ('im Orbit' = in orbit), and with the accusative to express movement toward it ('in den Orbit' = into orbit).
EXAMPLE
Das Teleskop befindet sich seit Jahren im Orbit.
The telescope has been in orbit for years.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'einen Satelliten in den Orbit schießen' (to launch a satellite into orbit), 'den Orbit erreichen' (to reach orbit), or 'sich in einem stabilen Orbit befinden' (to be in a stable orbit).
EXAMPLE
Es kostet Millionen, eine Tonne Material in einen niedrigen Erdorbit zu transportieren.
It costs millions to transport one ton of material into low Earth orbit.
Compare with
Orbit vs Bahn
train / track
'die Bahn' and 'der Orbit' can both describe the path along which a body moves in space. Here, 'Bahn' is the more general word. It can refer to many fixed paths, for example the path of a planet or the path of a projectile. 'Orbit' is more precise and is used mainly in space travel and astronomy. It means the orbit around a planet, moon, or star. Learners may confuse the words because with celestial bodies, you can often say both. However, 'Orbit' sounds more technical and fits especially when something is actually circling a body.
Orbit
Der Satellit bleibt mehrere Jahre im Orbit um die Erde.
The satellite remains in orbit around Earth for several years.
Bahn
Die Bahn des Kometen führt nah an der Erde vorbei.
The comet's path takes it close past Earth.
In real life
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