race
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race
A sporting competition in which the aim is to cover a certain distance by running as fast as possible.
Die beiden Sprinter lieferten sich einen spannenden Wettlauf über 100 Meter.
The two sprinters had an exciting race over 100 meters.
'Wettlauf' consists of 'Wett-' and 'Lauf' (run). The first part, 'Wett-', comes from 'Wette' (bet) or 'Wettbewerb' (competition) and emphasizes the competitive nature of running.
Der Wettlauf zum Mond prägte die 1960er Jahre.
The race to the moon shaped the 1960s.
You can recognize the literal meaning (sports) from the context of sports, athletes, or distances. You can recognize the figurative meaning (competition) from topics such as technology, business, or politics.
Der schnellste Läufer gewann den Wettlauf im Stadion.
The fastest runner won the race in the stadium.
The expression 'ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit' (a race against time) is very common. It means that you have to do something very quickly before a deadline expires or it is too late.
Die Rettungsaktion war ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit.
The rescue operation was a race against time.
In the figurative meaning, 'Wettlauf' is often used with the preposition 'um' + accusative to name the goal of the competition.
Die Firmen befinden sich in einem Wettlauf um die Marktführerschaft.
The companies are in a race for market leadership.
run / course / barrel
'der Lauf' and 'der Wettlauf' can both have to do with running. 'der Lauf' is more general: it can mean the sporting activity or a running route, without a competition being the main focus. 'der Wettlauf' always emphasizes competition: several people or groups want to be faster than the others. In a figurative sense, 'Wettlauf' also means an intense struggle against time or for success, for example 'ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit' (a race against time). The words can be confused because both can involve running. If it is only about jogging or a running event in general, 'Lauf' fits. If winning or being faster is important, 'Wettlauf' fits.
Der Wettlauf gegen die Zeit beginnt, weil die Retter nur wenige Stunden haben.
The race against time begins because the rescuers have only a few hours.
Nach dem langen Lauf im Park war Anna ziemlich müde.
After the long run in the park, Anna was quite tired.