gute Landung
In German, "happy landing" is expressed as gute Landung.
This phrase is used to wish an aircraft a safe and successful arrival on the ground.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective gute (good) and the noun Landung (landing).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Landung is a feminine noun, the adjective gut takes the -e ending in the nominative and accusative cases when used with an indefinite article or as a standalone wish, such as in eine gute Landung.
Did you know?
- To describe a 'hard landing' or a crash, Germans use the word Bauchlandung if the aircraft lands on its belly, which is also used as a metaphor for a complete failure in business or politics.
- While an English speaker might say 'happy landing', Germans almost never use the word 'glücklich' (happy) for this. They prefer 'gute' (good), as 'glückliche Landung' would sound like the aircraft had a stroke of luck rather than a safe flight.
- The German term Landung can refer to much more than just aircraft, such as the historical 'landing' of an army on a coastline.
Examples in context
- Willkommen zurück und eine sanfte Landung!Welcome back and a gentle landing!
- Ich hoffe, du bist gut runtergekommen!I hope you landed well!
- Ich wünsche dir eine gute Landung.I wish you a happy landing.
- Wir wünschen allen Passagieren eine gute Landung.We wish all passengers a happy landing.
Example conversation
Hannah is seeing Felix off at the airport.
- HannahHast du deinen Pass dabei, Felix?Do you have your passport with you, Felix?
- FelixJa, alles ist in meiner Tasche.Yes, everything is in my bag.
- HannahDann gute Reise und gute Landung!Then have a good trip and a happy landing!
- FelixVielen Dank, Hannah!Thank you very much, Hannah!
