die Tabellenspitze
top of the table
First place in a ranking, especially in a sports league.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sieg am Wochenende steht die Mannschaft nun an der Tabellenspitze.
After the win at the weekend, the team is now at the top of the table.
die Tabellenspitze
top of the table
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'die Tabelle' (the table/standings) and 'die Spitze' (the top). So it literally refers to the top, that is, the highest position, of a table.
EXAMPLE
Der Verein feiert die Eroberung der Tabellenspitze.
The club is celebrating its capture of the top spot in the table.
Sports context
This term is used almost exclusively in a sports context to describe the leading position in a league or competition.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft kämpft um den Verbleib an der Tabellenspitze.
The team is fighting to stay at the top of the table.
Correct preposition
To describe a position, you use 'an der Tabellenspitze' (at the top of the table, dative). To describe movement to that position, you say 'an die Tabellenspitze' (to the top of the table, accusative).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft steht ungeschlagen an der Tabellenspitze.
The team is unbeaten at the top of the table.
Typical verbs
Typical verbs in this context are 'stehen' (to stand/be), 'sein' (to be), 'verteidigen' (to defend), 'erklimmen' (to climb), or 'erobern' (to capture).
EXAMPLE
Der Club konnte die Tabellenspitze bis zum Saisonende verteidigen.
The club was able to defend the top spot in the table until the end of the season.
Compare with
Tabellenspitze vs Tabellenführung
lead in the table
Both words refer to first place in a sports league. Die Tabellenspitze mainly refers to the position at the top of the table. Die Tabellenführung emphasizes more strongly that a team is currently leading the standings, takes the lead, holds it, or loses it.
Tabellenspitze
Nach dem Sieg steht die Mannschaft wieder an der Tabellenspitze.
After the victory, the team was back at the top of the table.
Tabellenführung
Nach dem Sieg übernahm die Mannschaft die Tabellenführung.
After the victory, the team took the lead in the table.
In real life
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