final / endgame
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final
The last, decisive game in a sports competition or tournament that decides the victory. Synonymous with 'Finale' (final).
Deutschland hat das Endspiel der Weltmeisterschaft knapp verloren.
Germany narrowly lost the final of the World Cup.
endgame
The final phase of a chess game, in which only a few pieces remain on the board.
Der Großmeister ist besonders für seine Stärke im Endspiel bekannt.
The grandmaster is especially known for his strength in the endgame.
endgame
In a figurative sense, the final, decisive phase of a conflict, negotiation, or process.
Die Koalitionsverhandlungen gehen nun in das politische Endspiel.
The coalition negotiations are now entering the political endgame.
'Endspiel' (final/endgame) is a compound noun made up of 'Ende' (end) and 'Spiel' (game). So it literally describes the game that comes at the end of a competition.
Millionen von Zuschauern verfolgten das Endspiel im Fernsehen.
Millions of viewers watched the final on television.
In a sports context, 'Endspiel' (final) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'das Endspiel erreichen' (to reach the final), 'im Endspiel stehen' (to be in the final), or 'das Endspiel gewinnen/verlieren' (to win/lose the final).
Die Mannschaft hat zum ersten Mal in der Vereinsgeschichte das Endspiel erreicht.
The team reached the final for the first time in the club's history.
Outside of sports, 'Endspiel' (endgame) is often used figuratively for the decisive, final phase of a conflict or negotiation, especially in politics.
Die Verhandlungen über das neue Gesetz gehen jetzt in ihr Endspiel.
The negotiations over the new law are now entering their endgame.
finale / final
In sports, both words can refer to the last decisive contest in a tournament. „Finale“ is somewhat more general and also fits other types of competitions, while „Endspiel“ particularly highlights a final game between teams or players. For a specific game, both words are often possible.
Im Endspiel der Meisterschaft treten die beiden besten Mannschaften gegeneinander an.
In the championship final, the two best teams will face each other.
Im Finale der Meisterschaft treten die beiden besten Mannschaften gegeneinander an.
In the championship final, the two best teams will face each other.
