der Pilot
pilot
A person who operates an airplane or another aircraft professionally or privately.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot begrüßte die Passagiere über die Bordlautsprecher.
The pilot greeted the passengers over the aircraft's loudspeakers.
der Pilot
pilot
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Meanings
der Pilot
pilot
The first episode of a television series produced as a test in order to evaluate its potential for a full season.
EXAMPLE
Der Sender hat nach dem Erfolg des Piloten zwei weitere Staffeln bestellt.
After the success of the pilot, the network ordered two more seasons.
der Pilot
driver
In motorsport, the driver of a racing car, especially in high-level racing classes such as Formula 1.
EXAMPLE
Der finnische Pilot fuhr die schnellste Runde des Rennens.
The Finnish driver drove the fastest lap of the race.
der Pilot
pilot
A person who guides a ship through difficult waters such as harbor entrances or canals. Synonymous with 'Lotse' (maritime pilot).
EXAMPLE
Ein erfahrener Pilot brachte das riesige Containerschiff sicher in den Hafen.
An experienced pilot brought the huge container ship safely into the harbor.
der Pilot
pilot
In a figurative sense, a person who leads and steers a complex project or a difficult process.
EXAMPLE
Für die Umstrukturierung der Abteilung brauchen wir einen fähigen Piloten mit Erfahrung.
For the restructuring of the department, we need a capable pilot with experience.
Usage tips
Context is key
The word 'Pilot' (pilot) has many meanings. The most common is a person who operates an airplane. Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended, e.g. words like 'Serie' (series), 'Rennen' (race), or 'Schiff' (ship).
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot der Serie wurde in Los Angeles gedreht.
The pilot of the series was filmed in Los Angeles.
Typical verbs
In its main meaning, 'Pilot' (pilot) is often combined with verbs that describe flying. These include 'ein Flugzeug steuern' (to operate/fly an airplane), 'eine Maschine landen' (to land an aircraft), or 'Passagiere informieren' (to inform passengers).
EXAMPLE
Der erfahrene Pilot steuerte das Flugzeug sicher durch das Gewitter.
The experienced pilot flew the plane safely through the thunderstorm.
Context: television
If you read about a 'Pilot' (pilot) in connection with 'Serien' (series), 'Sendern' (networks/channels), or 'Staffeln' (seasons), it refers to the first test episode of a TV show.
EXAMPLE
Der Sender war vom Piloten so begeistert, dass er sofort 20 Folgen bestellte.
The network was so enthusiastic about the pilot that it immediately ordered 20 episodes.
Context: motorsport
In the context of 'Rennen' (races), 'Formel 1' (Formula 1), or 'Rennwagen' (racing cars), 'Pilot' (driver) refers to the driver of the vehicle.
EXAMPLE
Der junge Pilot fuhr ein beeindruckendes erstes Rennen.
The young driver drove an impressive first race.
Figurative meaning
'Pilot' (pilot) can be used metaphorically for a person who leads a complex project. This usage is common especially in business or administrative contexts.
EXAMPLE
Als Pilot des neuen IT-Projekts trägt sie eine große Verantwortung.
As the pilot of the new IT project, she bears a great deal of responsibility.
Compare with
Pilot vs Kapitän
captain
Both words can refer to a person on an airplane. “Der Pilot” primarily refers to the person who flies the airplane, while “der Kapitän” emphasizes the person’s command role and responsibility. When the focus is on flying itself, “Pilot” is appropriate; when the focus is on overall responsibility, “Kapitän” is appropriate.
Pilot
Der Pilot steuerte das Flugzeug sicher durch die Wolken.
The pilot safely flew the airplane through the clouds.
Kapitän
Der Kapitän trug während des gesamten Fluges die Verantwortung für die Passagiere.
The captain was responsible for the passengers throughout the entire flight.
In real life
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