der  Pfeil

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/pfaɪl/

🎯 What does "der Pfeil" mean?

Der Pfeil is a masculine noun meaning arrow. It primarily refers to the projectile shot from a Bogen (bow). Typically, a Pfeil consists of a Schaft (shaft), a Spitze (tip or arrowhead), and Befiederung (fletching) at the end to stabilize its flight.

Besides its literal meaning, Pfeil can also be used symbolically to indicate direction (e.g., on signs ↗️) or to express speed.

There is only this one article for the word Pfeil in the sense of a projectile or symbol, so there's no risk of confusion ⚠️ regarding the article.

🧐 Grammar and Declension of "Pfeil"

The word Pfeil is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Bogenschütze legte den Pfeil auf die Sehne.
   (The archer placed the arrow on the bowstring.)
2. Die Spitze des Pfeils war sehr scharf.
   (The tip of the arrow was very sharp.)
3. Er folgte dem roten Pfeil auf dem Schild.
   (He followed the red arrow on the sign.)
4. Im Köcher waren viele bunte Pfeile.
   (There were many colorful arrows in the quiver.)

🏹 When to use "der Pfeil"?

Der Pfeil is used in various contexts:

• Sports & Hunting: In archery (Bogenschießen) or when hunting with bow and arrow (Pfeil und Bogen).
• Weapon: Historically and in some cultures as a weapon.
• Symbolism: As a directional indicator (Verkehrsschilder - traffic signs, Diagramme - diagrams), as a symbol for speed (Schnelligkeit), focus (Zielgerichtetheit), or even love (Amors Pfeil - Cupid's arrow).
• Metaphorically: The phrase "einen Pfeil im Köcher haben" means "to have an arrow in one's quiver", i.e., to have an option or argument in reserve.

It's a very specific word. Sometimes Bolzen (bolt) is used synonymously, especially in the context of crossbows (Armbrüste), but Pfeil is clearly associated with the bow.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article: Think of der Bogenschütze (the archer - masculine) or der Held (the hero - masculine) who shoots der Pfeil. Both related concepts are masculine.

For the meaning: A Pfeil sounds a bit like it could file through the air, or maybe like the 'ff' sound in 'off' as it shoots off the bow. It helps to associate the sound with the action of an arrow.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Feil: Adjective meaning 'for sale' or 'venal'. Sounds similar but is unrelated.
• Pfeiler: Pillar or pier in architecture.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Pfeil Liebeskummer?
(Why is the arrow lovesick?)

Er wurde vom Bogen abgeschossen!
(He got shot down/dumped by the bow! - "abschießen" can mean "to shoot down" but also slang for "to dump someone")

📜 Poem about the Arrow

Ein Pfeil, gespannt auf starkem Bogen,
(An arrow, nocked on a strong bow,)
Ist durch die klare Luft geflogen.
(Has flown through the clear air.)
Schnell wie der Blitz, zum Ziel er eilt,
(Quick as lightning, to the target it hurries,)
Wo er alsbald im Holz verweilt.
(Where it soon remains in the wood.)
Ein scharfer Gruß, geschickt gesandt,
(A sharp greeting, skillfully sent,)
Von des Schützen fester Hand.
(From the archer's steady hand.)

❓ Riddle

Ich habe Federn, kann aber nicht fliegen.
(I have feathers, but cannot fly.)
Ich habe eine Spitze, aber keinen Stift.
(I have a point/tip, but no pen.)
Ein Bogen schickt mich auf die Reise.
(A bow sends me on my journey.)
Wer bin ich, auf meine Weise?
(Who am I, in my own way?)

Solution: Der Pfeil (The arrow)

💡 Other Information

Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen):

• Pfeilspitze: Arrowhead.
• Pfeilschaft: Arrow shaft.
• Pfeilgerade: Adjective meaning 'straight as an arrow'.
• Pfeilschnell: Adjective meaning 'swift as an arrow' (very fast).
• Giftpfeil: Poison arrow.
• Pfeilköcher: Quiver (for arrows).

Cultural Significance: The Pfeil is a universal symbol found in many cultures, often associated with hunting, warfare, but also direction, speed, and even love (Amors Pfeil - Cupid's arrow).