die Zielscheibe
target
An object, usually with rings or markings, that one aims at when shooting or in throwing games.
EXAMPLE
Der Pfeil traf genau in die Mitte der Zielscheibe.
The arrow hit right in the center of the target.
die Zielscheibe
target
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Meanings
die Zielscheibe
target
A person or thing that is the target of criticism, ridicule, or attacks.
EXAMPLE
Wegen seiner unpopulären Entscheidung wurde der Politiker zur Zielscheibe der öffentlichen Kritik.
Because of his unpopular decision, the politician became the target of public criticism.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'das Ziel' (target/goal) and 'die Scheibe' (disc). So it literally describes a disc that you aim at. The gender is feminine because the head noun 'die Scheibe' is feminine.
EXAMPLE
Beim Bogenschießen benutzen wir große Zielscheiben.
In archery, we use large targets.
Context clue
You can tell from context whether the literal or the figurative meaning is intended. If it is about shooting, arrows, or throwing, it is literal. If it is about criticism, ridicule, or attacks, it is figurative.
EXAMPLE
Der Schütze traf die Zielscheibe genau in der Mitte.
The shooter hit the target exactly in the center.
Metaphorical meaning
'Zielscheibe' (target) is very often used in a figurative sense. A person or thing that is strongly criticized or attacked is then metaphorically referred to as a target.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Veröffentlichung des Berichts wurde das Unternehmen zur Zielscheibe von Protesten.
After the report was published, the company became the target of protests.
Typical expressions
In the figurative meaning, 'Zielscheibe' (target) is often used in fixed expressions, for example 'zur Zielscheibe werden' (to become a target), 'sich zur Zielscheibe machen' (to make oneself a target), or 'die Zielscheibe von Spott sein' (to be the target of ridicule).
EXAMPLE
Mit seinen kontroversen Aussagen machte er sich selbst zur Zielscheibe.
With his controversial statements, he made himself a target.
Compare with
Zielscheibe vs Ziel
goal / destination / target
When shooting, Ziel and Zielscheibe can refer to the same object. Ziel refers to it in its role as the point being aimed at; Zielscheibe names the specific object with its markings. Ziel fits when focusing on aiming at it, while Zielscheibe fits when talking about its shape or construction.
Zielscheibe
Die Schützin stellt die Zielscheibe in zehn Metern Entfernung auf.
The archer sets up the target ten meters away.
Ziel
Die Schützin richtet den Bogen ruhig auf ihr Ziel.
The archer calmly aims her bow at her target.
In real life
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