downhill slide / descent
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downhill slide
A phase of decline, deterioration, or loss of value, especially on the stock market, in sports, or in the economy.
Nach der Gewinnwarnung befand sich die Aktie des Unternehmens auf Talfahrt.
After the profit warning, the company's stock was on a downhill slide.
The word is made up of 'das Tal' (the valley) and 'die Fahrt' (the ride/trip). The literal meaning 'ride into the valley' is the basis for the figurative meaning of a decline.
Die Talfahrt mit den Skiern hat viel Spaß gemacht.
The downhill run on skis was a lot of fun.
The literal meaning refers to mountains, cable cars, or hikes. The figurative, more common meaning is found in the context of business (stocks, prices), sports (league position), or politics (poll numbers).
Die letzte Talfahrt mit der Gondel ist um 17 Uhr. (wörtlich)
The last descent by gondola is at 5 p.m. (literal)
In the figurative meaning, 'Talfahrt' (downhill slide) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'auf Talfahrt sein' (to be on a downhill slide), 'sich auf Talfahrt befinden' (to be on a downhill slide), or 'die Talfahrt stoppen' (to stop the downhill slide).
Die Noten des Schülers waren im letzten Halbjahr auf Talfahrt.
The student's grades were on a downhill slide in the last semester.
ascent / rise
'der Aufstieg' and 'die Talfahrt' are often opposites. 'Aufstieg' describes an upward movement or development: physical, professional, athletic, or economic. 'Talfahrt' describes a downward movement or, more often in a figurative sense, a negative development with losses and problems. The contrast is especially clear in sports, business, and the stock market: a team experiences an 'Aufstieg' (promotion / rise), while a company can 'in eine Talfahrt geraten' (go into a downhill slide).
Wegen schlechter Verkaufszahlen geriet das Unternehmen in eine Talfahrt.
Because of poor sales figures, the company went into a downhill slide.
Nach dem guten Abschluss begann für Lena der Aufstieg in ihrer Firma.
After her good degree, Lena began to rise within her company.