flagship
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flagship
In a figurative sense, the most important, most modern, or most representative product, project, or leading branch of a company.
Das neue Smartphone-Modell ist das Flaggschiff des Technologiekonzerns.
The new smartphone model is the technology company's flagship.
'Flaggschiff' (flagship) is made up of 'die Flagge' (the flag) and 'das Schiff' (the ship). Originally, it was the ship on which the admiral was located and where his flag flew, which is why it was the most important ship in the fleet.
Vom Flaggschiff aus wurde die gesamte Flotte kommandiert.
The entire fleet was commanded from the flagship.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If people are talking about companies, products, technology, or marketing, it almost always means the most important or best product, not a real ship.
Apple präsentierte das neue iPhone als Flaggschiff für dieses Jahr.
Apple presented the new iPhone as this year's flagship.
The figurative meaning of 'Flaggschiff' (flagship) is especially common in business and marketing language. It is used very frequently in news about technology and new products.
Der Autohersteller stellte sein neues elektrisches Flaggschiff vor.
The car manufacturer introduced its new electric flagship.
showpiece / signboard
'das Flaggschiff' and 'das Aushängeschild' can both describe something that represents a company, group, or country especially well. 'Flaggschiff' is often used for the most important, most modern, or strongest product or project. It is at the center and shows what a provider can achieve. 'Aushängeschild' is broader: it can also be a person, a team, a place, or a thing that presents an especially good image to the outside world. The words can be confused because both refer to something positive and representative. For products and large projects, 'Flaggschiff' often sounds more natural; for people or role models, 'Aushängeschild' fits better.
Das neue Smartphone ist das Flaggschiff der Firma.
The new smartphone is the company's flagship.
Die junge Läuferin ist das Aushängeschild des Vereins.
The young runner is the showpiece of the club.