der Zenit
zenith
The high point or peak of a development, a career, or of power and prestige.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem Erfolg hatte der Künstler den Zenit seiner Karriere erreicht.
With this success, the artist had reached the zenith of his career.
der Zenit
zenith
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Meanings
der Zenit
zenith
In astronomy, the highest point of the celestial sphere, located directly above the observer.
EXAMPLE
Wenn die Sonne im Zenit steht, ist ihr Licht am intensivsten.
When the sun is at its zenith, its light is most intense.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about 'Sonne' (sun) or 'Himmel' (sky), the astronomical point is meant. If it is about 'Karriere' (career), 'Macht' (power), or 'Erfolg' (success), the figurative high point is meant.
EXAMPLE
Mittags, wenn die Sonne im Zenit steht, sollte man die Haut schützen.
At midday, when the sun is at its zenith, you should protect your skin.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Zenit' (zenith) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'den Zenit erreichen' (to reach the zenith), 'auf dem Zenit sein' (to be at the zenith), or 'den Zenit überschreiten' (to pass the zenith).
EXAMPLE
Nach diesem Album hatte die Sängerin den Zenit ihrer Kreativität überschritten.
After this album, the singer had passed the zenith of her creativity.
Sentence structure
The high point of something is often expressed with the genitive or with the preposition 'von' (of/from). Both are correct: 'der Zenit seiner Macht' (the zenith of his power) or 'der Zenit von seiner Macht' (the zenith of his power).
EXAMPLE
Er stand auf dem Zenit seiner politischen Macht.
He stood at the zenith of his political power.
Register
The figurative meaning of 'Zenit' (zenith) is used mainly in written language, in journalistic texts, or in formal speeches. It is a word with an elevated style.
EXAMPLE
Die römische Kultur erreichte unter Kaiser Augustus ihren Zenit.
Roman culture reached its zenith under Emperor Augustus.
Compare with
Zenit vs Gipfel
summit / peak
Gipfel and Zenit refer to the highest point of a development, career, or position of power. Zenit sounds more elevated and often describes the highest period. Gipfel emphasizes the peak that has been reached more strongly and can also be used evaluatively or negatively.
Zenit
In diesen erfolgreichen Jahren stand die Politikerin im Zenit ihrer Macht.
During those successful years, the politician was at the zenith of her power.
Gipfel
Nach dem Wahlsieg stand die Politikerin auf dem Gipfel ihrer Macht.
After winning the election, the politician was at the peak of her power.
In real life
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