semifinal
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semifinal
The penultimate round in a sports competition or tournament with four remaining participants, in which the two finalists are determined.
Die deutsche Nationalmannschaft hat das Halbfinale der Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft erreicht.
The German national team reached the semifinal of the football World Cup.
The word is made up of 'halb' (half) and 'das Finale' (the final). It literally refers to the 'half-final,' that is, the round directly before the final, in which the finalists are determined.
Der Gewinner dieses Spiels kommt ins Finale.
The winner of this game goes through to the final.
Pay attention to the prepositions: 'ins Halbfinale kommen/einziehen' (to get into/advance to the semifinal) describes reaching this round (movement). 'Im Halbfinale stehen/spielen' (to be/play in the semifinal) describes the state of being in this round (position).
Die Mannschaft zog überraschend ins Halbfinale ein.
The team unexpectedly advanced to the semifinal.
In a sports context, 'das Halbfinale' (the semifinal) is often combined with certain verbs. These include 'das Halbfinale erreichen' (to reach the semifinal), 'im Halbfinale stehen' (to be in the semifinal), 'das Halbfinale gewinnen/verlieren' (to win/lose the semifinal), or 'im Halbfinale ausscheiden' (to be eliminated in the semifinal).
Leider ist unsere Mannschaft im Halbfinale ausgeschieden.
Unfortunately, our team was eliminated in the semifinal.
finale / final
'das Finale' and 'das Halbfinale' both belong to the final rounds of a competition. The difference is the order. In the 'Halbfinale' (semifinal), several participants or teams are still left, and it is decided there who reaches the final. The 'Finale' is the last and decisive competition for the overall victory after that. You can confuse the words because both come near the end of a tournament. Remember: first comes the semifinal, then the final.
Heute Abend ist das Halbfinale, und der Gewinner kommt ins letzte Spiel.
The semifinal is this evening, and the winner goes through to the last game.
Am Sonntag spielt unsere Mannschaft im Finale um den Pokal.
On Sunday, our team is playing in the final for the cup.