terrain
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terrain
A specific area or piece of land, especially with regard to its natural qualities such as condition and shape.
Das unwegsame Terrain machte den Vormarsch der Truppen sehr langsam.
The difficult terrain made the troops' advance very slow.
terrain
In a figurative sense, a specific field of knowledge or expertise, a topic area, or a field of activity.
Mit Quantenphysik betreten wir ein für Laien sehr schwieriges Terrain.
With quantum physics, we are entering terrain that is very difficult for laypeople.
to gain/lose ground
To make progress or lose ground, either literally in a battle or figuratively in a dispute or debate.
In der Debatte konnte die Opposition langsam wieder Terrain gewinnen.
In the debate, the opposition was slowly able to gain ground again.
'Terrain' is a loanword from French. It is often used in a more formal, technical, or military context.
Die Geologen untersuchten das Terrain auf Bodenschätze.
The geologists examined the terrain for mineral resources.
To describe the nature of the land, 'Terrain' is often combined with certain adjectives. Common examples are 'schwieriges Terrain' (difficult terrain), 'unwegsames Terrain' (impassable/difficult terrain), 'gebirgiges Terrain' (mountainous terrain), or 'offenes Terrain' (open terrain).
Für die Wanderung im alpinen Terrain braucht man gute Schuhe.
For the hike in alpine terrain, you need good shoes.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is about a field of knowledge or a topic area. Signal words are often 'neu' (new), 'schwierig' (difficult), 'bekannt' (familiar), or 'sicher' (safe/secure) in combination with 'Terrain'.
Für mich ist die Programmierung noch völlig neues Terrain.
For me, programming is still completely new terrain.
The expressions 'Terrain gewinnen' (to gain ground) and 'Terrain verlieren' (to lose ground) are fixed expressions. They mean to make progress or fall behind, and can be used both literally (e.g., in war) and figuratively (e.g., in a discussion).
Mit ihrem neuen Produkt konnte die Firma schnell Terrain gewinnen.
With its new product, the company was able to gain ground quickly.
floor / ground
In a conflict, Boden and Terrain can express progress or setbacks. However, they occur in different combinations: you say an Boden gewinnen or an Boden verlieren, but Terrain gewinnen or Terrain verlieren. In terms of meaning, both expressions can describe the same development.
Die Partei verliert in der öffentlichen Debatte zunehmend Terrain.
The party is increasingly losing ground in the public debate.
Die Partei verliert in der öffentlichen Debatte zunehmend an Boden.
The party is increasingly losing ground in the public debate.
