die Halbzeit
halftime break
The break in the middle of a sports game, such as in soccer or handball, that divides the game into two halves.
EXAMPLE
In der Halbzeit gab der Trainer neue Anweisungen.
During halftime, the coach gave new instructions.
die Halbzeit
halftime
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Meanings
die Halbzeit
half
One of the two periods of play before or after the break in a sports game.
EXAMPLE
In der zweiten Halbzeit spielte die Mannschaft deutlich besser.
In the second half, the team played significantly better.
die Halbzeit
halfway point
The point at which half of a specific period of time, project, or term of office has been reached.
EXAMPLE
Zur Halbzeit seiner Amtszeit zog der Präsident eine erste Bilanz.
At the halfway point of his term, the president took stock for the first time.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Halbzeit' is a compound word made up of 'halb' (half) and 'die Zeit' (time). So the meaning is literally 'half time' or the point at which half the time has passed.
EXAMPLE
Nach der halben Zeit hatten wir erst ein Drittel der Arbeit geschafft.
After half the time, we had only completed a third of the work.
Context clue: preposition
The preposition helps distinguish the meanings in sports. 'In der Halbzeit' means the break between the halves of the game. 'In der ersten/zweiten Halbzeit' describes the period during which play takes place.
EXAMPLE
In der Halbzeit trinken die Spieler Wasser.
During halftime, the players drink water.
Figurative meaning
Outside of sports, 'Halbzeit' is often used figuratively for the middle of any period of time. Typical contexts are projects, a trip, or a political term of office.
EXAMPLE
Zur Halbzeit unseres Projekts haben wir die bisherigen Ergebnisse präsentiert.
At the halfway point of our project, we presented the results so far.
Compare with
Halbzeit vs Hälfte
half
Die Hälfte can generally refer to the midpoint of a period of time. Die Halbzeit is the set break in a sports match between the two periods of play. Hälfte is used for any temporal midpoint, while Halbzeit is used for the break in a sports match.
Halbzeit
In der Halbzeit besprach die Mannschaft ihre neue Taktik.
At halftime, the team discussed its new tactics.
Hälfte
Nach der Hälfte der Spielzeit stand es noch unentschieden.
After half the playing time, the score was still tied.
In real life
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