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.
race
In a figurative sense, an intense competition or effort in which several parties try to reach a goal before the others, often under great time pressure. A common expression is 'ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit' (a race against time).
Die Entwicklung eines Impfstoffs während der Pandemie war ein globaler Wettlauf der Wissenschaft.
The development of a vaccine during the pandemic was a global race for science.
'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.
to run
Rennen describes the runners' fast movement, while der Wettlauf refers to the sporting competition itself. In a Wettlauf, the focus is therefore on competing for the fastest time. Use rennen for the movement and der Wettlauf for the competition.
Der Wettlauf zur Ziellinie beginnt nach dem Startsignal.
The race to the finish line begins after the starting signal.
Die Läufer rennen so schnell wie möglich zur Ziellinie.
The runners run to the finish line as fast as possible.
