01
der Apex
apex
In technical language, especially anatomy and botany, the tip of an organ or part of a plant.
example
Der Arzt hörte den Apex der Lunge ab.
The doctor listened to the apex of the lung.
der Apex
apex
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin from Latin
'Apex' comes from Latin and means 'tip' or 'summit'. This basic meaning helps you understand the different uses in technical language, since it is always about the highest, foremost, or most important point.
EXAMPLE
In der Biologie bezeichnet man die Wurzelspitze als Apex.
In biology, the tip of the root is called the apex.
Technical and educated language
The word 'Apex' (apex) is used almost exclusively in technical fields, such as medicine, motorsport, or astronomy, or in very educated language. It is uncommon in normal everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Der Kommentator erklärte, dass der Fahrer den Apex der Kurve zu früh angesteuert hat.
The commentator explained that the driver aimed for the apex of the corner too early.
Context clues
You can always recognize the exact meaning of 'Apex' (apex) from the context. Terms like 'Lunge' (lung) or 'Herz' (heart) point to medicine, words like 'Kurve' (curve/corner) or 'Rennfahrer' (racing driver) point to motorsport, and 'Entwicklung' (development) or 'Schaffen' (creative work) point to the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Rennfahrer muss den Apex der Kurve genau treffen.
The racing driver has to hit the apex of the corner precisely.
Typical collocations
In a motorsport context, the most common verbs used with 'Apex' (apex) are: 'den Apex treffen' (to hit the apex), 'den Apex erwischen' (to catch the apex), or 'den Apex verpassen' (to miss the apex).
EXAMPLE
Um schnell zu sein, muss man den Apex jeder Kurve perfekt treffen.
To be fast, you have to hit the apex of every corner perfectly.
Compare with
Apex vs Spitze
tip / top / lace
'die Spitze' and 'der Apex' can both mean a topmost or outermost point. 'die Spitze' is the normal everyday word and fits objects, mountains, or even a leading position. 'der Apex', on the other hand, is a technical term, especially in medicine, biology, or botany. In elevated language, 'Apex' can also mean the peak of a development. The words can be confused because 'Apex' often simply seems like 'Spitze'. In normal conversations, 'die Spitze' is almost always more natural; 'der Apex' fits better in technical texts.
Apex
Im Biologiekurs zeigte die Lehrerin den Apex des Blattes auf einer Zeichnung.
In biology class, the teacher showed the apex of the leaf on a drawing.
Spitze
Mein Vater schneidet die Spitze der jungen Pflanze ab, damit sie stärker wächst.
My father cuts off the tip of the young plant so that it grows stronger.
In real life
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