finish line
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finish line
The marked line that indicates the end of a racetrack or competition. Crossing this line ends the race.
Die Läuferin überquerte nach einem langen Sprint als Erste die Ziellinie.
After a long sprint, the runner was the first to cross the finish line.
finish line
In a figurative sense, the successful completion of a long and often difficult project or undertaking.
Nach Monaten harter Arbeit überquerten wir mit der Veröffentlichung der Software endlich die Ziellinie.
After months of hard work, we finally crossed the finish line with the release of the software.
This word is made up of 'das Ziel' (the goal/finish) and 'die Linie' (the line). So it literally describes a line that marks the finish.
Der Läufer erreichte die Ziellinie mit letzter Kraft.
The runner reached the finish line with the last of his strength.
In a sports context, 'die Ziellinie' (the finish line) is very often used with the verb 'überqueren' (to cross). Other typical verbs are 'erreichen' (to reach) or 'sehen' (to see).
Alle Augen waren darauf gerichtet, wer als Erster die Ziellinie überqueren würde.
All eyes were on who would be the first to cross the finish line.
You can recognize the figurative meaning when the context is about completing projects, negotiations, or long tasks, not about sports. Here too, the verb 'überqueren' (to cross) is often used.
Nach einem Jahr intensiver Arbeit hat das Team endlich die Ziellinie überquert.
After a year of intensive work, the team finally crossed the finish line.
goal / destination / target
The goal is the intended result of an undertaking. The finish line refers figuratively to the successful completion of a long or difficult journey. Use Ziel for the desired result and Ziellinie when the path to completion is emphasized.
Mit der Veröffentlichung haben wir das schwierige Projekt über die Ziellinie gebracht.
With the publication, we got the difficult project across the finish line.
Mit der Veröffentlichung haben wir unser wichtigstes Ziel erreicht.
With the publication, we achieved our most important goal.
