zielen
to aim
To point a weapon, device, or one's own attention at a specific target in order to hit or reach it.
EXAMPLE
Der Jäger zielte mit seinem Gewehr auf den Hirsch.
The hunter aimed his rifle at the deer.
zielen
to aim
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Meanings
zielen auf
to target
To direct an action or measure toward a specific result, intention, or target group.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Werbekampagne zielt auf junge Kunden ab.
The new advertising campaign targets young customers.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'zielen' (to aim) is closely related to the noun 'das Ziel' (the goal/target). It describes the action of orienting oneself toward a target or goal.
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser Maßnahme zielen wir auf eine schnelle Lösung des Problems.
With this measure, we are aiming for a quick solution to the problem.
Fixed preposition
'Zielen' (to aim) is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. This structure applies to both the literal and the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Bogenschütze zielt auf die Mitte der Scheibe.
The archer aims at the center of the target.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it involves weapons, sports, or cameras, the literal meaning is intended. If it involves plans, marketing, or politics, the figurative, intentional meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Sie zielte mit der Kamera auf den Vogel im Baum.
She aimed the camera at the bird in the tree.
Use with subordinate clauses
In the figurative meaning, 'zielen' (to aim) can express an intention with a subordinate clause. The structure is then 'darauf zielen, dass ...' (to aim for it to be the case that ...) or 'darauf zielen, zu + infinitive' (to aim to + infinitive).
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion zielte darauf, einen Kompromiss zu finden.
The discussion aimed to find a compromise.
Compare with
zielen vs richten
to direct / to fix
Here, richten first describes orienting a weapon or device toward a target. Zielen additionally emphasizes the intention of hitting or reaching that target. If only the position is meant, richten is appropriate; when hitting the target is planned, zielen is more suitable.
zielen
Er zielt mit dem Gewehr auf die Scheibe, um sie zu treffen.
He aims the rifle at the target in order to hit it.
richten
Er richtet das Gewehr auf die Scheibe, um das Visier einzustellen.
He points the rifle at the target to adjust the sights.
In real life
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