der  Geier

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡaɪ̯ɐ/

🦅 What exactly is a Geier?

The German word der Geier primarily refers to a large bird of prey that mainly feeds on carrion (Aas). Vultures (Geier) are known for their ability to spot carcasses (Kadaver) from great heights.

In a figurative sense, the term Geier is also used derogatorily for a person considered greedy (habgierig), rapacious (raffgierig), or ruthless (rücksichtslos) – someone waiting to profit from the misfortune of others.

There is only one article, der, for the word Geier, which simplifies things. No risk of confusion! ✅

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Geier

The noun Geier is masculine. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Geier kreiste hoch am Himmel. (The vulture circled high in the sky. - Nominative Singular)
• Das Fernglas half bei der Beobachtung des Geiers. (The binoculars helped in observing the vulture. - Genitive Singular)
• Der Tierpfleger gab dem Geier Futter. (The zookeeper gave food to the vulture. - Dative Singular)
• Wir sahen den Geier auf einem Felsen sitzen. (We saw the vulture sitting on a rock. - Accusative Singular)
• Mehrere Geier versammelten sich um das Aas. (Several vultures gathered around the carrion. - Nominative Plural)
• Das Verhalten der Geier ist faszinierend. (The behavior of the vultures is fascinating. - Genitive Plural)
• Man sollte sich den Geiern nicht zu sehr nähern. (One should not get too close to the vultures. - Dative Plural)
• Die Dokumentation zeigte die Geier in ihrer natürlichen Umgebung. (The documentary showed the vultures in their natural habitat. - Accusative Plural)

💡 How to use "Geier"?

Biological Context: When discussing animals (Tiere), nature (Natur), or ecosystems (Ökosysteme), der Geier is used neutrally for the bird.

Figurative Use (negative): Calling someone a Geier is a strong insult, implying extreme greed and ruthlessness. Example: "Bei der Erbschaftsverteilung zeigten sich manche Verwandte als wahre Geier." (During the inheritance distribution, some relatives showed themselves to be true vultures.)

Idiom: "Der Geier weiß, warum" or "Weiß der Geier" is an expression of not knowing or bewilderment, similar to "Who knows?" or "God knows" or "Beats me". Example: "Weiß der Geier, wo ich meine Schlüssel hingelegt habe!" (Heaven knows where I put my keys!).

🧠 Mnemonics for "Geier"

For the Article: Imagine: DER big, powerful bird (masculine!) circles over DER desert. The German word Geier ends in -er, like many masculine nouns.

For the Meaning: Think of the English word greed or the German word Gier (greed). A Geier is often a symbol of greed, both the bird (greedy for carrion) and the person (greedy for money or advantages).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Meaning 1: Bird

• Synonyms: Aasfresser (carrion eater - more general), Kondor (condor - specific type)
• Antonyms: Singvogel (songbird), Taube (dove/pigeon - often symbolizing peace, opposite of a scavenger)

Meaning 2: Greedy Person

• Synonyms: Raffzahn (grabber - colloquial), Habgieriger (greedy person), Blutsauger (bloodsucker - figurative), Abzocker (rip-off artist - colloquial)
• Antonyms: Altruist (altruist), Menschenfreund (philanthropist), Gönner (patron), Wohltäter (benefactor)

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse Geier with Adler (eagle). While both are large birds of prey, eagles actively hunt prey, whereas vultures are primarily scavengers.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein kleiner Geier seine Mutter: "Mama, stimmt es, dass wir Resteesser sind?" Sagt die Mutter: "Sei still und iss dein Auge auf, bevor es kalt wird!"

English: A little vulture asks his mother: "Mom, is it true that we eat leftovers?" The mother says: "Be quiet and eat your eye before it gets cold!"

📜 Poem about the Vulture

German:
Hoch am Himmel, still und weit,
Der Geier zieht zur Einsamkeit.
Sein scharfes Aug' erspäht von fern,
Was unten liegt, das frisst er gern.

Ein Meister er im Segelflug,
Durch Lüfte trägt ihn Zug um Zug.
Natur hat ihm 'ne Roll' gegeben,
Im Kreislauf von Verfall und Leben.

English:
High in the sky, so still and wide,
The vulture seeks where none reside.
Its sharp eye spots from far away,
What lies below, becomes its prey.

A master he of soaring flight,
Through breezes carried, day and night.
Nature assigned a role to him,
In life and death's decaying rim.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich kreise hoch, hab scharfen Blick,
ess' Aas und suche mein Geschick.
Mein Name klingt fast so wie Gier,
sag schnell, wer bin ich, welches Tier?

English:
I circle high, my sight is keen,
I eat the dead, a scavenging scene.
My name in German sounds like 'greed',
Tell me quickly, what's my breed?

Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: The word "Geier" comes from the Old High German word "gir", meaning "gierig" (greedy), highlighting its connection to greed.
• Species Diversity: There are many different vulture species worldwide, such as the Griffon Vulture (Gänsegeier), Bearded Vulture (Bartgeier), or Cinereous Vulture (Mönchsgeier) found in Europe.
• Ecological Role: Vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses, thus preventing the spread of diseases. They are nature's 'sanitation police' (Gesundheitspolizei).