milestone
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milestone
A decisive event or important advance in a development that marks a turning point.
Die Entdeckung des Penicillins war ein Meilenstein in der Medizingeschichte.
The discovery of penicillin was a milestone in the history of medicine.
milestone
A historic stone or pillar at the side of a road that indicates the distance in miles to a specific place.
Entlang der alten Poststraße stehen noch einige der ursprünglichen Meilensteine aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.
Along the old post road, some of the original milestones from the 18th century are still standing.
The word is a clear compound of 'Meile' (mile) and 'Stein' (stone). Originally, it was a stone that indicated the distance in miles. This literal meaning helps you understand the figurative meaning of an important point in a development.
Die Erfindung des Buchdrucks war ein Meilenstein für die Verbreitung von Wissen.
The invention of printing was a milestone for the spread of knowledge.
The figurative meaning of an important advance is much more common today. You will usually find the literal meaning as a distance stone only in historical texts or when describing old paths and roads.
Die erste Mondlandung war ein Meilenstein für die Raumfahrt.
The first moon landing was a milestone for space travel.
In the figurative meaning, 'Meilenstein' (milestone) is often combined with 'wichtig' (important) or 'entscheidend' (decisive). Common phrases are 'ein Meilenstein für etwas sein' (to be a milestone for something), 'einen Meilenstein setzen' (to set a milestone), or 'einen Meilenstein darstellen' (to represent a milestone).
Der Abschluss des Projekts ist ein wichtiger Meilenstein für unser Unternehmen.
The completion of the project is an important milestone for our company.
breakthrough
Der Durchbruch and der Meilenstein both refer to important progress. A Durchbruch requires successfully overcoming a decisive obstacle, whereas a Meilenstein can simply mark an important turning point. Use Durchbruch when a difficulty has been solved, and Meilenstein for a significant step in development.
Nach vielen Monaten Arbeit war der erste funktionierende Prototyp ein wichtiger Meilenstein.
After many months of work, the first working prototype was an important milestone.
Nach vielen erfolglosen Versuchen gelang dem Forschungsteam der Durchbruch.
After many unsuccessful attempts, the research team achieved a breakthrough.
