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99 Luftballons by Nena - German lesson
Lesson

99 Luftballons by Nena

Topic

Verse 2

Key Phrases

Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont

On their way to the horizon

Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All

Believed to be UFOs from outer space

Nur 99 Luftballons

Only 99 balloons

Skills You'll Learn

Understanding metaphorical language

Metaphorische Sprache verstehen

Translating phrases with multiple meanings

Phrasen mit mehreren Bedeutungen übersetzen

Comprehending contextual cues in a sentence

Kontextuelle Hinweise in einem Satz verstehen

Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases

🚶‍♂️➡️

Auf ihrem Weg

On their way

The word 'Weg' can mean 'way' or 'path'. Context will help you determine which.

In Germany, walking is a popular activity, and the term 'Weg' is frequently used in daily conversations.

🌅

Zum Horizont

To the horizon

Note that 'zum' is a contraction of 'zu dem', a common occurrence in German.

The horizon is often associated with dreams and aspirations, much like in this song.

🚶‍♂️➡️🌅

Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont

On their way to the horizon

Combining prepositions like 'auf' and 'zu' with destinations reflects movement towards something.

The horizon suggests limitless possibilities, an idea captured beautifully in the song.

🤔

Hielt man

It was thought to be

'Hielt' is the past tense of 'halten', which means 'to hold' or 'to think'.

Speculation about unidentified objects was a common Cold War theme.

🛸

Für Ufos

UFOs

'Für' means 'for' or 'as'; here it indicates what something is mistaken for.

UFO sightings peaked during the Cold War, reflecting cultural anxieties.

🌌

Aus dem All

From outer space

'All' in German refers to the cosmos or universe.

Outer space captivated public imagination, especially during the space race.

🤔🛸🌌

Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All

Believed to be UFOs from outer space

German often uses past tense in narratives, compared to English's preference for present.

UFO speculations symbolized broader fears and hopes of the time.

📤

Darum schickte

Therefore sent

'Darum' indicates causality, similar to 'therefore' or 'hence'.

This phrase underscores a reactive approach, common during tense political stand-offs.

👨‍✈️

Ein General

A general

The word 'General' in German is used similarly as in English, denoting high military rank.

Military authority figures, like generals, were often central in narratives about global tension.

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