das Wettrennen
race
A competition in which the goal is to cover a certain distance faster than the competitors.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder veranstalteten ein Wettrennen bis zum Ende der Straße.
The children held a race to the end of the street.
das Wettrennen
race
das Wettrennen, die Wettrennen
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Meanings
das Wettrennen
race
A figurative expression for an intense competition in which several parties try to be the first to reach a goal, for example in research or business.
EXAMPLE
Es herrscht ein globales Wettrennen um die Entwicklung eines wirksamen Impfstoffs.
There is a global race to develop an effective vaccine.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Wettrennen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Wettrennen |
| genitive | des Wettrennens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Wettrennen | die Wettrennen |
| accusative | das Wettrennen | die Wettrennen |
| dative | dem Wettrennen | den Wettrennen |
| genitive | des Wettrennens | der Wettrennen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Wett-' and 'Rennen' (race). The first part, 'Wett-', comes from 'die Wette' (the bet) and signals a competition. A 'Wettrennen' is therefore a race with a competitive character.
EXAMPLE
Das jährliche Seifenkisten-Wettrennen ist eine beliebte Tradition.
The annual soapbox race is a popular tradition.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'Wettrennen' (race) is often combined with verbs such as 'machen' (to do), 'veranstalten' (to hold/organize), or 'sich liefern' (to have with each other). The preposition 'gegen' (against) is used to name the opponent.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Sportler lieferten sich ein spannendes Wettrennen.
The two athletes had an exciting race.
Sentence structure with 'um'
In the figurative meaning, the goal of the competition is almost always expressed with the preposition 'um' and the accusative. This pattern is typical in contexts from business, science, or politics.
EXAMPLE
Die Firmen befinden sich in einem Wettrennen um die besten Mitarbeiter.
The companies are in a race for the best employees.
Context clue
The preposition 'um' is a strong signal for the figurative meaning. If the sentence refers to abstract goals such as 'Marktanteile' (market share), 'Innovation' (innovation), or 'Macht' (power), the second, figurative meaning is almost always intended.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den Supermächten gab es ein Wettrennen ins All.
There was a race into space between the superpowers.
Compare with
Wettrennen vs rennen
to run
Rennen describes fast movement on foot, while a Wettrennen is a competition in which several people cover a distance as quickly as possible. Use „rennen“ for one person’s movement and „Wettrennen“ for an organized speed competition.
Wettrennen
Die Kinder veranstalten ein Wettrennen bis zum großen Baum.
The children hold a race to the big tree.
rennen
Die Kinder rennen so schnell sie können zum Ziel.
The children run to the finish line as fast as they can.
In real life
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