focus
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focus
The center of interest, attention, or an activity; the main emphasis.
Der Focus dieser Konferenz liegt auf den neuesten Entwicklungen der künstlichen Intelligenz.
The focus of this conference is on the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
focus
In optics, the point where light rays meet after being refracted through a lens; the focal point.
Der Fotograf stellte den Focus der Kamera manuell ein, um das Motiv scharf abzubilden.
The photographer adjusted the camera's focus manually to capture the subject sharply.
Alongside the spelling 'Focus', the Germanized variant 'Fokus' is very common today and is often preferred. Both spellings are correct and have the same meaning and the same article, 'der'.
Der Fokus unserer Arbeit liegt auf der Kundenzufriedenheit.
The focus of our work is on customer satisfaction.
In the meaning 'Schwerpunkt' (main emphasis), 'Focus' is almost always used with the preposition 'auf'. To describe an action, you use the accusative: 'den Focus auf etwas legen' (to put the focus on something). To describe a state, you use the dative: 'Der Focus liegt auf etwas' (the focus is on something).
Legen Sie den Focus auf die wichtigsten Aufgaben.
Put the focus on the most important tasks.
The meaning is usually easy to recognize. If it is about topics, attention, or priorities, 'Schwerpunkt' (main emphasis) is meant. In texts about photography, physics, or optics, 'Brennpunkt' (focal point) is meant.
Der Focus der Kamera war nicht richtig eingestellt.
The camera's focus was not set correctly.
center
Mittelpunkt and Focus can both refer to the center of interest. Mittelpunkt tends to emphasize the central position or person, while Focus highlights the direction of attention or activity. Choose Mittelpunkt for the central role and Focus for what one is concentrating on.
Der Focus der Besprechung liegt heute auf den Kosten.
Today's meeting focuses on costs.
Die neue Bibliothek ist der Mittelpunkt des Stadtteils.
The new library is the center of the neighborhood.
