die Zielgerade
finish straight
The final straight section of a racecourse before the finish line.
EXAMPLE
Der Läufer beschleunigte auf der Zielgeraden und gewann das Rennen.
The runner accelerated on the finish straight and won the race.
die Zielgerade
finish straight
die Zielgerade, die Zielgeraden
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Meanings
die Zielgerade
final stage
The final phase of a project or development, when the goal is about to be reached.
EXAMPLE
Nach monatelanger Arbeit geht das Projekt nun auf die Zielgerade.
After months of work, the project is now in its final stage.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Zielgerade, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Zielgeraden |
| genitive | der Zielgeraden |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Zielgerade | die Zielgeraden |
| accusative | die Zielgerade | die Zielgeraden |
| dative | der Zielgeraden | den Zielgeraden |
| genitive | der Zielgeraden | der Zielgeraden |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Zielgerade' (finish straight) is made up of 'Ziel' (finish) and 'Gerade' (straight). It originally referred to the straight section of a course that leads directly to the finish; from this, the figurative meaning for the final stage of a project developed as well.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Zielgeraden des Rennens kämpften zwei Fahrer um den Sieg.
On the finish straight of the race, two drivers battled for the victory.
Context clue
In a race, 'Zielgerade' (finish straight) refers to an actual section of the course. With words like 'Projekt' (project), 'Verhandlungen' (negotiations), or 'Bauarbeiten' (construction work), the figurative meaning is usually intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Bauarbeiten befinden sich inzwischen auf der Zielgeraden.
The construction work is now in its final stage.
Typical collocations
In its racing meaning, 'Zielgerade' (finish straight) often occurs with verbs such as 'erreichen' (to reach), 'einbiegen' (to turn onto), and 'beschleunigen' (to accelerate). Typical prepositions are 'auf' (onto/on) and 'in' (into): You can turn onto the finish straight or accelerate on the finish straight.
EXAMPLE
Kurz vor dem Stadion bog die Radfahrerin auf die Zielgerade ein.
Shortly before the stadium, the cyclist turned onto the finish straight.
Final stage
In its figurative meaning, 'Zielgerade' (final stage) is especially often used with projects, negotiations, exams, or construction work. The fixed expression 'auf der Zielgeraden sein' (to be in the final stage) emphasizes that the end is near.
EXAMPLE
Die Verhandlungen sind auf der Zielgeraden, aber einige Einzelheiten müssen noch geklärt werden.
The negotiations are in their final stage, but a few details still need to be clarified.
In real life
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