der Pfeil
arrow
A symbol in the shape of an arrow that is used to indicate a direction or a reference.
EXAMPLE
Folgen Sie einfach den Pfeilen auf dem Boden, um zum Ausgang zu gelangen.
Simply follow the arrows on the floor to get to the exit.
der Pfeil
arrow
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Meanings
der Pfeil
arrow
A narrow, pointed projectile that is shot with a bow.
EXAMPLE
Der Schütze legte einen Pfeil auf die Sehne seines Bogens.
The archer placed an arrow on the string of his bow.
der Pfeil
arrow
Used figuratively for something that moves very quickly. Usually in the expression 'schnell wie ein Pfeil' (fast as an arrow).
EXAMPLE
Schnell wie ein Pfeil rannte das Kind über die Wiese.
Fast as an arrow, the child ran across the meadow.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether a symbol or a projectile is meant. Words like 'zeigen' (to point/show), 'folgen' (to follow), or 'Schild' (sign) indicate the symbol. Words like 'Bogen' (bow), 'schießen' (to shoot), or 'treffen' (to hit) indicate the projectile.
EXAMPLE
Der Pfeil auf dem Wegweiser war kaum noch zu erkennen.
The arrow on the signpost was barely recognizable anymore.
Typical collocations
As a direction symbol, 'Pfeil' (arrow) is often used with verbs like 'folgen' (to follow) or 'zeigen' (to point/show). For example, you say 'den Pfeilen folgen' (to follow the arrows) or 'der Pfeil zeigt nach oben' (the arrow points upward).
EXAMPLE
Ein großer roter Pfeil auf der Straße zeigte die Umleitung an.
A large red arrow on the road indicated the detour.
Fixed collocation
In the meaning of the projectile, 'Pfeil' (arrow) is very often used together with 'Bogen' (bow) in the fixed expression 'Pfeil und Bogen' (bow and arrow).
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Fest konnte man das Schießen mit Pfeil und Bogen ausprobieren.
At the festival, you could try shooting with a bow and arrow.
Fixed comparison
The figurative meaning is used almost exclusively in the fixed comparison 'schnell wie ein Pfeil' (fast as an arrow) to express very high speed.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto schoss schnell wie ein Pfeil an uns vorbei.
The car shot past us fast as an arrow.
Compare with
Pfeil vs Zeiger
hand / pointer
Both words can be used for a display on a scale. The Zeiger is the movable element that indicates a value, while Pfeil primarily refers to the shape or direction of the symbol. Use Zeiger for the display element and Pfeil for a symbol indicating a direction.
Pfeil
Ein Pfeil auf der Skala zeigt an, in welche Richtung der Wert steigt.
An arrow on the scale shows the direction in which the value is increasing.
Zeiger
Der Zeiger des Messgeräts steht auf der Skala bei fünf.
The measuring instrument's pointer is at five on the scale.
In real life
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