German · Travel & Getting Around
"Airplane" in German: Flugzeug
das Flugzeug
Airplane in German is das Flugzeug, a neuter noun. The trip itself is often der Flug. You board mit dem Flugzeug or simply fliegen.
At the window
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How to pronounce Flugzeug
Say it
FLOOK-tsoyk
/ˈfluːkt͡sɔʏ̯k/
FLOOK-tsoyk. Flug as in Flughafen. Zeug rhymes with English "oy" + k. Stress Flug.
"Airplane" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| das Flugzeug | airplane, aircraft The machine itself. | The machine itself. |
| der Flug | flight The journey by air. | The journey by air. |
| fliegen | to fly Verb for travelling by plane. | Verb for travelling by plane. |
| das Passagierflugzeug | passenger plane More specific term. | More specific term. |
How to use Flugzeug in real life
- 1At the window
Schau, das Flugzeug startet!
Look, the plane is taking off!
Starten is used for take-off.
- 2Travel talk
Unser Flugzeug hat Verspätung.
Our plane is delayed.
Verspätung means delay.
- 3Choosing transport
Fährst du mit dem Zug oder fliegst du mit dem Flugzeug?
Are you going by train or flying by plane?
Mit dem Flugzeug pairs with fliegen.
Mistakes English speakers make with Flugzeug
Incorrect: der Flugzeug
Correct: das Flugzeug
Flugzeug is neuter. Der Flug is the flight.
Incorrect: Ich nehme das Flug. (for the aircraft)
Correct: Ich nehme das Flugzeug. / Ich habe einen Flug.
Flugzeug is the plane; Flug is the flight booking.
Good to know
Germans often compare Zug and Flugzeug for medium distances: trains can beat short flights door to door. On boards you will see Flugsteig (gate) and Flugnummer (flight number).
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Watching planes from an airport window
ChatPal
Ist das dein Flugzeug dort drüben?
Is that your plane over there?
You
Ich glaube ja. Das Flugzeug sieht groß aus.
I think so. The plane looks big.
ChatPal
In zwanzig Minuten boardet das Flugzeug.
In twenty minutes the plane boards.
You
Gut. Ich mag Fensterplätze im Flugzeug.
Good. I like window seats on the plane.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Airplane" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Airplane" in German
What is the difference between Flug and Flugzeug?
Flug is the flight. Flugzeug is the airplane.
Is Flugzeug neuter?
Yes: das Flugzeug. Plural die Flugzeuge.
How do you say by plane?
Mit dem Flugzeug or simply fliegen: Ich fliege nach Rom.
What does Zeug mean?
Stuff / gear in compounds. Flugzeug is a fixed word; you don't translate the parts literally in speech.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
