die Etappe
stage
A section of a longer route, journey, or sporting competition.
EXAMPLE
Die heutige Etappe der Tour de France führt durch die Alpen.
Today's stage of the Tour de France leads through the Alps.
die Etappe
stage
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Meanings
die Etappe
stage
A phase or stage in a longer development or process.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem Abschluss des Studiums hat sie eine wichtige Etappe in ihrem Leben erreicht.
By completing her degree, she has reached an important stage in her life.
Usage tips
Context clue
Whether a section of a route or a phase of development is meant can be recognized from context. Words like 'Rennen' (race), 'Tour' (tour), or 'Wanderung' (hike) point to a route. Terms like 'Leben' (life), 'Projekt' (project), or 'Entwicklung' (development) indicate a phase in time.
EXAMPLE
Die erste Etappe der Wanderung war besonders steil.
The first stage of the hike was especially steep.
Typical collocations
In the context of sports or travel, 'Etappe' is often used with verbs like 'gewinnen' (to win), 'fahren' (to ride/drive), or 'meistern' (to master). Typical adjectives are 'lang' (long), 'kurz' (short), 'schwer' (difficult), or 'entscheidend' (decisive).
EXAMPLE
Der Radfahrer konnte die letzte Etappe des Rennens für sich entscheiden.
The cyclist was able to win the final stage of the race.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'Etappe' describes a phase in a process. Common combinations are 'eine wichtige Etappe im Leben' (an important stage in life) or 'eine neue Etappe in der Karriere' (a new stage in one's career). Verbs like 'erreichen' (to reach) or 'abschließen' (to complete) fit well with it.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem neuen Job beginnt für sie eine spannende Etappe.
With the new job, an exciting stage begins for her.
Compare with
Etappe vs Strecke
route / distance
Strecke refers to the physical course or length of a route. Etappe is an organizationally defined part of a longer journey or competition. Use „Strecke“ for the number of kilometers or the course; use „Etappe“ for a section with its own start and finish.
Etappe
Die heutige Etappe der Radtour endet am Bahnhof von Freiburg.
Today’s stage of the cycling tour ends at Freiburg station.
Strecke
Die heutige Strecke der Radtour ist 80 Kilometer lang.
Today’s cycling route is 80 kilometers long.
In real life
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