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das Finish
finish
The final, decisive phase of a competition, especially a race; the final sprint.
example
Im Finish konnte der Läufer noch zwei Plätze gutmachen.
In the finish, the runner was able to make up two more places.
das Finish
finish
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Meanings
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Usage tips
English loanword
'Finish' is a word from English and is usually pronounced similarly, with a 'sh' sound at the end. It has become established in certain specialist fields in German.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto hat ein spezielles Metallic-Finish.
The car has a special metallic finish.
Context clues
You can clearly recognize the meaning of 'Finish' (finish) from the context. In sports, it refers to the final sprint; with materials, to the surface; and with wine or spirits, to the aftertaste.
EXAMPLE
Der Radfahrer setzte im Finish zum Überholen an.
The cyclist began to overtake in the finish.
Typical collocations (sports)
In a sports context, 'Finish' (finish) is often used with the preposition 'im' (in the). Typical phrases are 'im Finish zulegen' (to pick up speed in the finish) or 'ein starkes Finish haben' (to have a strong finish).
EXAMPLE
Im Finish zeigte die Läuferin ihre ganze Stärke.
In the finish, the runner showed all her strength.
Typical collocations (surface)
When referring to surfaces or the finishing touch on a piece of work, 'Finish' (finish) is often combined with adjectives such as 'matt' (matte), 'glänzend' (glossy), or 'hochwertig' (high-quality). You can 'geben' (give) or 'verleihen' (give/bestow) a finish to something.
EXAMPLE
Der Tischler hat dem Schrank ein seidenmattes Finish verliehen.
The carpenter gave the cabinet a satin-matte finish.
Compare with
Finish vs Finale
finale / final
'das Finale' and 'das Finish' can both have to do with the decisive end of a competition. However, 'das Finale' is usually a separate final competition, for example the final match of a tournament. 'das Finish' more often means the final phase shortly before the finish line, especially in a race. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like an ending and a decision. In practical terms: for a game or tournament, you usually say 'Finale'; for a final sprint or crossing the finish line, 'Finish' is more likely.
Finish
Im Finish zog die Läuferin noch an zwei Gegnerinnen vorbei.
In the finish, the runner passed two more opponents.
Finale
Am Sonntag sehen wir das Finale der Meisterschaft im Fernsehen.
On Sunday, we will watch the championship final on TV.
In real life
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