der  Landeanflug

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlantʔanˌfluːk/

✈️ What does 'der Landeanflug' mean?

The German noun der Landeanflug refers to the final phase of a flight, immediately before an aircraft, helicopter, or other aerial vehicle begins its landing. It describes the controlled descent towards the runway or landing site.

The word is always masculine, so the correct article is always der.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🖋️ Grammar: 'Der Landeanflug' in Detail

The noun „Landeanflug“ is masculine.

Example Sentences

1. Der Pilot konzentrierte sich auf den bevorstehenden Landeanflug.
   (The pilot focused on the upcoming final approach.)
2. Während des Landeanflugs wurden die Passagiere gebeten, angeschnallt zu bleiben.
   (During the final approach, passengers were asked to remain seated with seatbelts fastened.)
3. Der Tower gab die Freigabe für den Landeanflug auf Piste 25R.
   (The tower gave clearance for the final approach to runway 25R.)
4. Die Sichtverhältnisse erschwerten den Landeanflug erheblich.
   (The visibility conditions made the final approach considerably more difficult.)

🗣️ How to use 'Landeanflug'

The term „Landeanflug“ is mainly used in the context of aviation.

• It specifically describes the last phase of the flight leading directly to the landing.
• One speaks of the „Landeanflug“ when an aircraft intentionally reduces altitude and approaches the runway.
• In contrast to the more general „Anflug“ (approach), which can also describe earlier stages of approaching the airport, the „Landeanflug“ is the final part.
• Air traffic controllers, pilots, and aviation personnel use this term regularly.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article 'der': Think of 'der' as the strong, determined pilot (masculine association) executing 'den' Landeanflug. Or remember: DER Pilot macht DEN Anflug.

Meaning: Break it down: „Lande-“ comes from 'landen' (to land) and „Anflug“ means 'approach'. So, it's literally the 'approach for landing' or 'landing approach'.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Be careful: „Anflug“ alone can also just mean the general approach towards a location, not necessarily for landing.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Passagier den Piloten: „Ist das Ihr erster Landeanflug?“
Pilot: „Nein, wieso? Ist das Ihr erster?“

(Passenger asks the pilot: "Is this your first landing approach?"
Pilot: "No, why? Is it your first?")

📜 Poem about the Landing Approach

Der Himmel weit, die Wolken ziehen,
die Maschine muss nun niederfliegen.
Der Landeanflug, ganz sacht und fein,
bald wird das Flugzeug sicher sein.
Die Lichter funkeln, nah die Bahn,
der Pilot, ein konzentrierter Mann.
Ein letzter Check, dann setzt es auf,
beendet ist der Himmelslauf.

(The sky is vast, the clouds drift by,
the machine must now descend from high.
The final approach, gentle and fine,
soon the aircraft will safely align.
The lights sparkle, the runway near,
the pilot, a focused man, holds dear.
One last check, then touchdown's sound,
heaven's journey ends on the ground.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin der letzte Teil der Reise hoch,
bevor die Räder den Boden suchen doch.
Der Pilot braucht Konzentration und Blick,
für dieses letzte Flugesstück.

Was bin ich?

(I am the last part of the journey high,
before the wheels seek the ground nearby.
The pilot needs focus and a keen eye,
for this final piece of the flight in the sky.

What am I?)

Solution: Der Landeanflug (The final approach)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition: The term „Landeanflug“ is a compound noun, composed of:

• Lande(n): The verb 'landen' (to land).
• Anflug: The noun 'der Anflug' (the approach).

So, it literally means 'approach to land' or 'landing approach'. In professional aviation, there are highly detailed procedures and prescribed routes for landing approaches (e.g., ILS approach - Instrument Landing System).