end in itself
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end in itself
A purpose that lies in itself and does not serve as a means to achieve another, higher goal. Something that is done or pursued for its own sake.
Für ihn ist Kunst kein Mittel zum Geldverdienen, sondern reiner Selbstzweck.
For him, art is not a means of making money, but purely an end in itself.
'Selbstzweck' (end in itself) is made up of 'selbst' (self) and 'der Zweck' (the purpose, the point). It describes something that has its purpose or meaning in itself and is not there for something else.
Für den Künstler ist das Malen an sich schon die Belohnung, es ist ein Selbstzweck.
For the artist, painting is already the reward in itself; it is an end in itself.
This word is often used in the negative form to argue: 'etwas darf kein Selbstzweck sein' (something must not be an end in itself). Another common expression is 'etwas wird zum Selbstzweck' (something becomes an end in itself), which is often meant critically.
Technischer Fortschritt darf kein Selbstzweck sein, er muss den Menschen dienen.
Technological progress must not be an end in itself; it must serve people.
'Selbstzweck' (end in itself) is an abstract and rather intellectual word. It is often found in discussions, essays, or speeches about philosophy, art, politics, or economics, but rarely in simple everyday language.
In der Debatte ging es um die Frage, ob Bildung ein Selbstzweck oder ein Mittel zur Jobsuche ist.
The debate was about whether education is an end in itself or a means of finding a job.
goal / destination / target
'das Ziel' and 'der Selbstzweck' both have to do with the reason why you do something. 'das Ziel' is a result that you want to achieve, for example through work or planning. 'der Selbstzweck', on the other hand, means that something is not done for another result, but for its own sake. Learners may confuse the words because both ask about a purpose. A practical way to remember it: a goal lies ahead of you and is meant to be achieved; an end in itself is already contained in the action itself.
Für sie ist Reisen kein Selbstzweck, sondern eine Möglichkeit, andere Menschen kennenzulernen.
For her, traveling is not an end in itself, but a way to get to know other people.
Eriks Ziel ist es, bis Ende des Jahres eine neue Stelle zu finden.
Erik's goal is to find a new job by the end of the year.