01
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
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Meanings
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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.
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
'die Spitze' and 'der Gipfel' can both mean the highest point of a mountain. In this sense, they are often interchangeable. 'der Gipfel' is especially typical when talking about mountains and hiking. 'die Spitze' sounds a bit more general and can also mean the topmost or pointed part of other things. But when it is clearly about a mountain, both words are easy to understand.
Gipfel
Vom Gipfel aus sieht man das ganze Tal.
From the peak, you can see the whole valley.
Spitze
Nach drei Stunden erreichten wir die Spitze des Berges.
After three hours, we reached the peak of the mountain.
In real life
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