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.
'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
'das Finale' and 'das Endspiel' can mean the same thing in sports: the last and decisive game of a competition. Both words fit when the winner is determined in this game. 'Finale' is a little more general and can also be used for tournaments or competitions with different kinds of contests. 'Endspiel' emphasizes more strongly that it really is a game, for example in football or tennis.
Das Endspiel hat nach der Arbeit viele Leute in die Sporthalle gelockt.
After work, the final drew many people to the sports hall.
Das Finale beginnt um 20 Uhr und wird im Fernsehen übertragen.
The final starts at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on TV.