Geschwader
German
editEtymology
edit16th century, from ge- (collective prefix) + Schwader. The latter is from Middle High German swader, from Italian squadra. The sense “group of birds” (16th century and thus predating aviation) is derived from the cavalry use.
Pronunciation
editNoun
editGeschwader n (strong, genitive Geschwaders, plural Geschwader)
- (navy) squadron (formation)
- (military aviation) a formation, now equivalent to a wing (RAF) or group (USAF), in earlier use (WWI) to a squadron
- (obsolete) Synonym of Schwadron (“formation of cavalry”)
- (figurative) a group of animals, chiefly birds
Declension
editDeclension of Geschwader [neuter, strong]
Derived terms
editFurther reading
edit- (English) Geschwader on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
- “Geschwader” in Duden online
- “Geschwader” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache