der Auftakt
opening
The beginning or opening of an event, a process, or a development.
EXAMPLE
Die Rede des Direktors bildete den Auftakt zur Jahreskonferenz.
The director's speech formed the opening of the annual conference.
der Auftakt
opening / upbeat
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Meanings
der Auftakt
upbeat
In music, one or more unstressed notes before the first stressed beat of a piece or phrase.
EXAMPLE
Das Lied beginnt mit einem zweitaktigen Auftakt des Schlagzeugs.
The song begins with a two-bar upbeat from the drums.
Usage tips
Word structure and origin
'Auftakt' (opening / upbeat) is made up of 'auf' and 'Takt' (beat / measure). The word originally comes from music and refers to the unstressed part of the measure before the first main accent (the 'upbeat'). From there, the meaning was transferred to the beginning of events.
EXAMPLE
Das Festival beginnt mit einem musikalischen Auftakt.
The festival begins with a musical opening.
Typical collocations
In the general meaning, 'Auftakt' (opening) is often combined with the verbs 'bilden' (to form) or 'machen' (to make). The preposition 'zu' introduces what something is the beginning of.
EXAMPLE
Ein Feuerwerk machte den Auftakt zu den Feierlichkeiten.
Fireworks marked the opening of the celebrations.
Context: music
This meaning is a technical term from music theory. You find it only in texts or conversations that deal with the analysis of musical pieces.
EXAMPLE
Viele Nationalhymnen beginnen mit einem Auftakt.
Many national anthems begin with an upbeat.
Compare with
Auftakt vs Anfang
beginning
Anfang generally refers to the first part or beginning of an event or development. Auftakt usually means an opening event that deliberately initiates a larger series of events. Anfang is therefore suitable for a first phase, while Auftakt is more suitable for a ceremonial or clearly recognizable opening.
Auftakt
Ein Festvortrag bildete den Auftakt der Vortragsreihe.
A keynote speech marked the opening of the lecture series.
Anfang
Am Anfang der Vortragsreihe waren noch viele Plätze frei.
At the beginning of the lecture series, many seats were still empty.
In real life
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