record high / peak
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record high
The highest value or level ever reached, for example with water levels, prices, temperatures, or stock prices.
Nach den starken Regenfällen erreichte der Fluss einen neuen Höchststand.
After the heavy rainfall, the river reached a new record high.
The word is a compound of 'höchst' (the superlative of 'hoch', high) and 'der Stand' (the level). So it literally means the highest level reached.
Die Arbeitslosigkeit ist auf ihrem tiefsten Stand seit Jahren, nicht auf einem Höchststand.
Unemployment is at its lowest level in years, not at a record high.
By far the most common verb used with 'Höchststand' (record high/peak) is 'erreichen' (to reach). You say that something 'einen Höchststand erreicht' (reaches a record high/peak).
Die Temperatur hat heute einen neuen Höchststand für diesen Monat erreicht.
The temperature reached a new record high for this month today.
Very often, a genitive attribute specifies what the record high is being measured for. The structure is then: 'der Höchststand + des/der + noun'.
Der Höchststand des Wasserpegels wurde um Mitternacht gemessen.
The peak level of the water was measured at midnight.
The literal meaning refers to measurable data such as water levels, prices, stock prices, or temperatures. The figurative meaning describes the peak of an abstract development, for example a career or an artistic period.
Der Aktienkurs erreichte nach der Ankündigung einen historischen Höchststand.
The stock price reached a historic record high after the announcement.
summit / peak
'der Gipfel' and 'der Höchststand' can both refer to a highest point. 'der Gipfel' is often used figuratively for a peak or high point, and can also mean a mountain summit or a meeting of important politicians. 'der Höchststand' is especially suitable when you mean a measurable value, for example prices, water levels, temperatures, or numbers. The words can be confused when talking about developments. If it is about the highest measured value, 'Höchststand' is more precise. If it is about the general high point of a situation, 'Gipfel' is often the better fit.
Im Sommer erreichten die Preise für Benzin einen neuen Höchststand.
In the summer, gasoline prices reached a new record high.
Der Gipfel der Diskussion war erreicht, als alle gleichzeitig redeten.
The discussion reached its peak when everyone started talking at the same time.