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
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Meanings
der Start
start
The beginning of an activity, project, or process.
EXAMPLE
Der Start des neuen Semesters ist nächste Woche.
The start of the new semester is next week.
der Start
takeoff
The takeoff of an airplane, rocket, or other flying object.
EXAMPLE
Wegen Nebels wurde der Start unserer Maschine um eine Stunde verschoben.
Because of fog, the takeoff of our plane was delayed by an hour.
der Start
start
In a figurative sense, the beginning of a new phase of life, a career, or a business.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Studium hatte sie einen erfolgreichen Start ins Berufsleben.
After university, she had a successful start to her professional life.
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 Anfang
beginning
Anfang and Start can refer to the beginning of a project or activity. Anfang can also include the early phase that follows. Start places more emphasis on the specific, often dynamic opening or on setting something in motion, and sounds particularly fitting for modern projects.
Start
Zum Start des Projekts stellte die Leitung den Zeitplan vor.
At the start of the project, the management presented the schedule.
Anfang
Am Anfang des Projekts sammelte das Team noch Ideen.
At the beginning of the project, the team was still gathering ideas.
In real life
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