der Rekord
record
The best performance or highest value ever achieved in a specific area, especially in sports.
EXAMPLE
Der Schwimmer hat einen neuen Weltrekord über 400 Meter aufgestellt.
The swimmer set a new world record in the 400 meters.
der Rekord
record
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Rekord
record
An extreme value, or one that has not been reached before, in any context.
EXAMPLE
Mit über 40 Grad wurde gestern ein neuer Hitzerekord für diesen Monat gemessen.
At over 40 degrees, a new heat record for this month was measured yesterday.
Usage tips
False friend
'Der Rekord' (the record) means a best performance or record achievement. It is not the same as the English 'record' in the sense of music ('die Schallplatte', the vinyl record) or a data record ('der Datensatz').
EXAMPLE
Sie hält den Rekord im Schnellschwimmen.
She holds the record in speed swimming.
Typical verbs
Three fixed verbs are used with 'Rekord' (record): you can 'einen Rekord aufstellen' (set a record), 'brechen' (break it), or 'halten' (hold it).
EXAMPLE
Die Athletin will den alten Weltrekord brechen.
The athlete wants to break the old world record.
As a first word part
The word 'Rekord-' is often used as the first part of compound words to express that something is an extreme value.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der Rekordhitze blieben viele Menschen zu Hause.
Because of the record heat, many people stayed at home.
Typical prepositions
To name the discipline of a sports record, the prepositions 'in' (+ dative) or 'über' (+ accusative) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Er stellte einen neuen Rekord im Hochsprung auf.
He set a new record in the high jump.
Compare with
Rekord vs Maximum
maximum
Both words refer to a particularly high value. The Maximum is simply the highest value in the data being considered, whereas the Rekord also emphasizes comparison with earlier values as a best mark. Use “Maximum” for the highest value within a period, and “Rekord” for a new or previously unattained best mark.
Rekord
Der neue Preis von 120 Euro ist ein Rekord, weil er alle früheren Werte übertrifft.
The new price of 120 euros is a record because it exceeds all previous values.
Maximum
Der Preis von 120 Euro war im Juli das Maximum der betrachteten Werte.
In July, the price of 120 euros was the maximum among the values considered.
In real life
Loading video examples...