der Gipfel
peak
The highest point of a mountain.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem anstrengenden Aufstieg erreichten die Wanderer endlich den Gipfel.
After a strenuous climb, the hikers finally reached the peak.
der Gipfel
summit / peak
der Gipfel, die Gipfel
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Meanings
der Gipfel
summit
A meeting of high-ranking people, especially heads of state or government, to discuss important topics.
EXAMPLE
Beim Klimagipfel wurden neue internationale Abkommen beschlossen.
At the climate summit, new international agreements were adopted.
der Gipfel
height / peak
The climax or highest level of something, often used in a negative sense.
EXAMPLE
Seine unverschämte Lüge war wirklich der Gipfel der Frechheit.
His outrageous lie was truly the height of insolence.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Gipfel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gipfel |
| genitive | des Gipfels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Gipfel | die Gipfel |
| accusative | den Gipfel | die Gipfel |
| dative | dem Gipfel | den Gipfeln |
| genitive | des Gipfels | der Gipfel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Gipfel' (summit/peak) from the context. If it is about mountains and nature, it means the mountain peak. In the context of politics and business, it means a meeting of leaders. In connection with negative nouns like 'Frechheit' (insolence), it expresses a peak of annoyance or outrage.
EXAMPLE
Die Aussicht vom Gipfel war atemberaubend.
The view from the peak was breathtaking.
Auf dem G7-Gipfel werden wichtige Wirtschaftsfragen diskutiert.
Important economic issues are discussed at the G7 summit.
Seine Reaktion war der Gipfel der Unhöflichkeit.
His reaction was the height of rudeness.
Typical verbs
When referring to a mountain, typical verbs are 'einen Gipfel erreichen' (to reach a peak), 'einen Gipfel besteigen' (to climb a peak), or 'auf dem Gipfel stehen' (to stand on the peak).
EXAMPLE
Wir wollen morgen den Gipfel besteigen.
We want to climb the peak tomorrow.
Compound nouns
In the political meaning, 'Gipfel' (summit) is often used as part of compound nouns, for example 'EU-Gipfel' (EU summit), 'Klimagipfel' (climate summit), or 'Wirtschaftsgipfel' (economic summit).
EXAMPLE
Die Ergebnisse des Klimagipfels waren enttäuschend.
The results of the climate summit were disappointing.
Fixed expression
To express a negative high point, the fixed expression 'der Gipfel der ...' (the height of ...) or 'der Gipfel von ...' (the height of ...) is used. It is followed by an abstract noun such as 'Frechheit' (insolence), 'Dummheit' (stupidity), or 'Ignoranz' (ignorance).
EXAMPLE
Dass er die Schuld auf andere schiebt, ist der Gipfel der Frechheit.
The fact that he blames others is the height of insolence.
Compare with
Gipfel vs Spitze
tip / top / lace
Spitze and Gipfel can both refer to the highest point of a mountain. Gipfel is the usual, specific term for this and can refer to the upper part of a mountain as the destination of a climb. Spitze emphasizes the outermost point, which is often narrow or pointed.
Gipfel
Nach fünf Stunden erreichen wir den Gipfel des Berges.
After five hours, we reach the summit of the mountain.
Spitze
Die schmale Spitze des Berges ragt aus den Wolken.
The mountain's narrow peak rises above the clouds.
In real life
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