countdown
der Countdown, die Countdowns
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countdown
Counting backward to zero before an event begins, especially before a rocket launch. The remaining units of time are counted.
Zehn Sekunden vor dem Raketenstart begann der Countdown.
The countdown began ten seconds before the rocket launch.
countdown
The final phase before an important event, when time is running short and the last preparations often take place.
Eine Woche vor der Eröffnung läuft im neuen Museum der Countdown für die letzten Vorbereitungen.
A week before the opening, the countdown is on at the new museum as final preparations are made.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Countdowns |
| genitive | des Countdown |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Countdown | die Countdowns |
| accusative | den Countdown | die Countdowns |
| dative | dem Countdown | den Countdowns |
| genitive | des Countdown des Countdowns | der Countdowns |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In its literal meaning, 'Countdown' is often used with verbs such as 'beginnen' (to begin), 'laufen' (to run), and 'starten' (to start). The phrase 'den Countdown herunterzählen' (to count down) is also common.
Kurz vor dem Raketenstart wurde der Countdown gestartet.
The countdown was started shortly before the rocket launch.
The literal meaning can often be recognized from references to seconds and a specific goal such as a launch. Numbers counting backward to zero are a clear signal of this meaning.
Als der Countdown bei fünf Sekunden angekommen war, jubelte das Publikum.
When the countdown reached five seconds, the audience cheered.
In its figurative meaning, 'Countdown' is often used with an event such as an opening, a wedding, or an important occasion. Time references such as 'noch drei Tage' (three days to go) and references to final preparations indicate this usage.
Noch drei Tage bis zur Hochzeit – der Countdown läuft!
Three days to go until the wedding—the countdown is on!
