Fallschirmjäger
/ˈfalʃɪʁmˌjɛːɡɐ/masculine
The German word for paratrooper is Fallschirmjäger.
A Fallschirmjäger is a soldier who parachutes from aircraft.
Meaning: soldier that parachutes from aircraft (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Fallschirm, meaning parachute and Jäger, meaning hunter or soldier.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form Fallschirmjäger is identical to its plural form, paratroopers. To refer to a female paratrooper, add the feminine suffix -in to the end of the word to get Fallschirmjägerin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfalʃɪʁmˌjɛːɡɐ/
Did you know?
- In German military history, the Jäger tradition predates the aircraft. Long before the Fallschirmjäger existed, Jäger were elite marksmen who used the landscape to ambush enemies.
- The word Schirm in Fallschirm is the same word used for a computer 'screen' or an umbrella. This reflects the German linguistic habit of using the concept of a 'protective canopy' for various types of covers.
- While Jäger means 'hunter', in a military context it refers to light infantry. This distinguishes them from heavy infantry, as they were historically trained for skirmishing and stealth in rugged terrain.
Examples in context
- Wer ist die erste Fallschirmjägerin in Bangladesh?Who is the first female paratrooper in Bangladesh?This sentence is useful for asking about a female Fallschirmjäger in Bangladesh.Tatoeba #13412238 by sylva, translation #11508365 by robingaspi
- Ich habe einen Fallschirmspringer getroffen.I met a paratrooper.
- Die Fallschirmjäger nehmen an der Militärübung teil.The paratroopers are participating in the military exercise.
- Mein Onkel war ein Fallschirmjäger im Zweiten Weltkrieg.My uncle was a paratrooper in World War II.
- Der Fallschirmjäger sprang aus dem Flugzeug.The paratrooper jumped from the aircraft.
- Ein erfahrener Fallschirmjäger ist sehr mutig.An experienced paratrooper is very brave.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a military documentary on TV.
- HannahIst dieser Mann ein Fallschirmjäger?Is this man a paratrooper?
- MaximilianJa, er ist ein Fallschirmjäger der Armee.Yes, he is a paratrooper in the army.
- HannahEr sieht sehr professionell aus.He looks very professional.
- MaximilianDas stimmt, sein Training ist sehr hart.That's true, his training is very hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paratrooper” translations and entries Fallschirmjäger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
