world record
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world record
The best performance ever achieved worldwide and officially recognized in a particular discipline, especially in sports.
Die Schwimmerin hat beim Wettkampf einen neuen Weltrekord aufgestellt.
The swimmer set a new world record at the competition.
The word is a simple compound made from 'die Welt' (the world) and 'der Rekord' (record). So it literally means a record that is valid throughout the whole world.
Sein Sprung war nicht nur eine persönliche Bestleistung, sondern ein neuer Weltrekord.
His jump was not only a personal best, but a new world record.
Very specific verbs are often used with 'Weltrekord' (world record): you can 'aufstellen' (set), 'brechen' (break), 'halten' (hold), or 'verbessern' (improve) a world record.
Der Athlet versuchte, den bestehenden Weltrekord zu brechen.
The athlete tried to break the existing world record.
To name the discipline in which the record was set, you use the preposition 'in' with the dative.
Er stellte einen neuen Weltrekord im Hochsprung auf.
He set a new world record in the high jump.
record
A Rekord and a Weltrekord both refer to an outstanding best performance. However, Rekord does not specify the comparison range, while Weltrekord explicitly means the best officially recognized performance worldwide. Use “Rekord” for a generally defined or otherwise limited best mark, and “Weltrekord” when it applies worldwide.
Die Läuferin stellte bei der Weltmeisterschaft einen neuen Weltrekord auf.
The runner set a new world record at the World Championships.
Die Läuferin stellte bei der deutschen Meisterschaft einen neuen Rekord auf.
The runner set a new record at the German Championships.
