to aim
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to aim at
To have something as a goal; to be directed toward something specific or to intend a particular effect.
Die neue Marketingkampagne zielt vor allem auf junge Kunden ab.
The new marketing campaign is aimed primarily at young customers.
'Abzielen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' is separated from the verb in a main clause and placed at the end.
Diese Maßnahme zielt auf eine schnelle Lösung des Problems ab.
This measure aims at a quick solution to the problem.
This verb is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. The construction 'abzielen auf etwas' means that something has a specific goal.
Die Werbung zielt auf eine junge Zielgruppe ab.
The advertisement is aimed at a young target group.
You can also express the goal with a subordinate clause. For this, you use the construction 'darauf abzielen, dass ...' or 'darauf abzielen, ... zu ...'.
Die Regeln zielen darauf ab, dass alle fair behandelt werden.
The rules aim to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
to aim
'zielen' and 'abzielen' can both mean that something is directed toward a specific goal. 'zielen' is broader: you can aim with a weapon, direct your attention toward something, or target a result with a measure or action. 'abzielen' is almost always used with 'auf' and is usually abstract, when an action is intended to have a particular effect. The confusion arises because 'zielen auf' and 'abzielen auf' sound similar in many abstract sentences. But for actually aiming at something with a weapon or device, you normally say 'zielen', not 'abzielen'.
Die neue Regel zielt darauf ab, die Wartezeit für Kunden zu verkürzen.
The new rule aims to shorten the waiting time for customers.
Beim Training zielte Tom lange auf die Mitte der Scheibe.
During training, Tom aimed at the center of the target for a long time.