Reading · B2 · Text 2

Wolke

43 words1 min read91% known at B2

Aus dem Fenster eines Flugzeugs können Wolken manchmal von Nahem betrachtet werden.

From an airplane window, clouds can sometimes be seen up close.

In einem Flugzeug reist man meist über den Wolken.

In an airplane, you usually travel above the clouds.

Denn hohe Wolken liegen in einer Höhe von ungefähr 5 bis 13 Kilometern über dem Boden.

Because high clouds are at an altitude of roughly 5 to 13 kilometers above the ground.

Moderne Passagier-Flugzeuge fliegen zwischen 9 und 12 Kilometern hoch.

Modern passenger planes fly at between 9 and 12 kilometers in altitude.

4 words above B2

zwischen
between, in the range of (used with two numbers or values) two-way preposition; takes dative here
liegen
to lie, to be situated, to be located strong verb: liegen – lag – gelegen
Höhe
height, altitude in the text: 'in einer Höhe von' = at an altitude of
meist
mostly, usually

Grammar in this text

Passive voice with modal verb

Aus dem Fenster eines Flugzeugs können Wolken manchmal von Nahem betrachtet werden.

The modal verb 'können' is conjugated, while the passive infinitive ('betrachtet werden') appears at the end of the clause. This expresses that something is possible ('clouds can be observed'). Recognize: modal verb + Partizip II + 'werden'.

Two-way prepositions with dative (location)

In einem Flugzeug reist man meist über den Wolken.

Prepositions like 'in', 'über', 'unter' take the dative case when they describe a static location (where? 'wo?'). Here 'über den Wolken' (above the clouds) is a location, so 'den' is dative plural. Also 'in einem Flugzeug' uses dative for the same reason.

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Text from Wolke — Klexikon, used under CC BY-SA 4.0. See sources.

Translation, glossary and grammar notes are machine-generated and inherit the same licence.