01
der Start
start
The beginning of a competition, a journey, or a ride/trip.
example
Die Läufer versammelten sich an der Linie für den Start des Marathons.
The runners gathered at the line for the start of the marathon.
der Start
start
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Word family & origin
'Der Start' (start) is a loanword from English. The related verb in German is 'starten' (to start). Both words are used very frequently.
EXAMPLE
Das Rennen startet in fünf Minuten.
The race starts in five minutes.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'den Startschuss geben' (to give the starting signal) means to give a signal for something to begin. It is used not only for competitions, but also for projects or events.
EXAMPLE
Die Bürgermeisterin gab den Startschuss für den Bau der neuen Bibliothek.
The mayor gave the starting signal for the construction of the new library.
Fixed expression
The expression 'an den Start gehen' (to get started / to enter the race) means to take part in a competition or to begin a major undertaking. It is often used in sports, but also in business.
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr will das Unternehmen mit einem neuen Produkt an den Start gehen.
Next year the company wants to get started with a new product.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, 'Start' (start) is often combined with 'in' + accusative to describe the beginning of a new phase of life. Typical phrases are 'der Start ins Berufsleben' (the start of one's professional life) or 'ein Start in ein neues Leben' (a start into a new life).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Umzug war der Start in der neuen Stadt nicht einfach.
After the move, the start in the new city was not easy.
Colloquial expression
The colloquial phrase 'am Start sein' means to be present, ready, or available. It is especially common in youth language.
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns um acht Uhr. Bist du auch am Start?
We're meeting at eight. Are you going to be there too?
Compare with
Start vs Ende
end
'das Ende' and 'der Start' form a contrast when something begins and later stops. 'der Start' fits especially with races, journeys, trips, projects, or new phases of life. 'das Ende' refers to the last part or the point at which that thing is over. 'Start' often sounds a bit more active than 'Beginn' because something gets going or starts moving. 'Ende', by contrast, is neutral and simply says that something does not continue.
Start
Der Start des Projekts ist nächste Woche im Büro.
The start of the project is next week at the office.
Ende
Am Ende des Kurses bekommen alle Teilnehmer eine Bestätigung.
At the end of the course, all participants receive a certificate.
In real life
Loading video examples...