der  Fluglärm

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfluːkˌlɛʁm/

✈️ What Exactly is Fluglärm?

Der Fluglärm refers to the noise caused by aircraft, especially during takeoff, landing, and low-altitude flight. It's a specific type of traffic noise, often perceived as disturbing, particularly near airports.

There is only one article, der, for the word Fluglärm. It is a masculine noun.

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse it with general Lärm (noise), although Fluglärm is a specific type of it.

📖 Grammar Under the Microscope: Der Fluglärm

The word Fluglärm is a masculine noun and uses the article der. It's a compound noun formed from 'Flug' (flight) and 'Lärm' (noise). It is mostly used in the singular because noise is often treated as an uncountable mass.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural (die Fluglärme) is very rare and hardly ever used. Theoretically, you might use it if you wanted to distinguish between different types or sources of aircraft noise, but usually, people just talk about viel Fluglärm (a lot of aircraft noise) or unterschiedlicher Fluglärm (different kinds of aircraft noise).

Example Sentences

• Der Fluglärm über der Stadt nimmt ständig zu.
  (The aircraft noise over the city is constantly increasing.)
• Viele Anwohner beschweren sich über den nächtlichen Fluglärm.
  (Many residents complain about the nighttime aircraft noise.)
• Wir kämpfen für eine Reduzierung des Fluglärms.
  (We are fighting for a reduction of the aircraft noise.)
• Die Auswirkungen des Fluglärms auf die Gesundheit sind bekannt.
  (The effects of aircraft noise on health are known.)

🗣️ How and When to Use 'Fluglärm'?

Der Fluglärm is primarily used in contexts related to the negative impacts of air traffic:

• Environmental debates: Discussions about noise pollution, environmental impact, and quality of life near airports.
• Politics and urban planning: When planning airport expansions, flight paths, or noise protection measures.
• Health: In connection with sleep disturbances, stress, and other health problems caused by noise.
• Complaints: Residents use the word to express their dissatisfaction.

Compared to der Lärm (general noise), der Fluglärm is specifically related to aircraft. You wouldn't talk about Fluglärm when referring to construction site noise (Baulärm) or road traffic noise (Straßenlärm).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Fluglärm'

For the article 'der': Imagine the pilot (der Pilot) is making the noise. Der is masculine, like pilot, so it's der Fluglärm.

For the meaning: The word is composed of Flug (like flight) and Lärm (loud noise). Simply: Noise from flying = Fluglärm.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Careful, don't confuse with:

• Straßenlärm (Road noise)
• Bahnlärm (Train noise)
• Baulärm (Construction noise)

😄 A Little Joke

Warum fliegen Flugzeuge so laut?
(Why do airplanes fly so loudly?)

Damit die Vögel aus dem Weg gehen können!
(So the birds can get out of the way!)

📜 Poem about Fluglärm

Hoch am Himmel, silbern, blank,
(High in the sky, silver, bright,)
zieht ein Riese seinen Gang.
(A giant makes its way.)
Doch sein Dröhnen, tief und schwer,
(But its drone, deep and heavy,)
stört die Ruhe ringsumher.
(Disturbs the peace all around.)
Der Fluglärm hallt durch Tal und Stadt,
(The aircraft noise echoes through valley and city,)
macht die leisen Töne matt.
(Muffles the quiet sounds.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme von oben, bin selten beliebt,
(I come from above, am seldom popular,)
Ein Geräusch, das die Ruhe oft trübt.
(A noise that often clouds the quiet.)
Bin hörbar nah Flughäfen, Tag und bei Nacht,
(Am audible near airports, day and night,)
Hab schon manchen um den Schlaf gebracht.
(Have deprived many of their sleep.)

Was bin ich? / What am I? ... Der Fluglärm / Aircraft noise

🔍 Additional Info & Trivia

Word Composition: Der Fluglärm is a compound noun, composed of:

• der Flug: Refers to flying or air traffic.
• der Lärm: Means a loud, often unpleasant noise.

Societal Relevance: Fluglärm is a significant topic in environmental policy and urban development in German-speaking countries. There are numerous citizens' initiatives campaigning for noise protection measures and night flight bans.