objective
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objective
The process of defining goals, or the formulated goal itself. It describes what is to be achieved.
Die wichtigste Zielsetzung des Unternehmens für dieses Jahr ist die Expansion in neue Märkte.
The company's most important objective for this year is expansion into new markets.
The word is a compound of 'Ziel' (goal) and 'Setzung' (setting). 'Setzung' comes from the verb 'setzen' (to set). So a 'Zielsetzung' (objective) is literally the act of 'setting' or defining a goal.
Bevor wir anfangen, müssen wir klare Ziele setzen.
Before we start, we need to set clear goals.
'Zielsetzung' (objective) is a formal word that is frequently used in professional contexts such as management, projects, or academia. It sounds more official and structured than just 'das Ziel' (the goal).
Die strategische Zielsetzung wurde vom Vorstand beschlossen.
The strategic objective was decided by the board.
Common adjectives are 'klare' (clear), 'langfristige' (long-term), or 'realistische' (realistic) with 'Zielsetzung' (objective). Typical verbs are 'eine Zielsetzung definieren' (to define an objective), 'verfolgen' (to pursue), or 'erreichen' (to achieve).
Ohne eine klare Zielsetzung arbeitet das Team ineffizient.
Without a clear objective, the team works inefficiently.
goal / destination / target
'das Ziel' and 'die Zielsetzung' can both express what is meant to be achieved. 'das Ziel' is the more general word and is more common in everyday language. 'die Zielsetzung' sounds more formal and is often used when goals are deliberately formulated or defined in a project, course, or report. The words can be confused because they are very close in meaning. In normal conversations, people usually say 'Ziel'. In school, work, or planning contexts, 'Zielsetzung' can sound more precise.
Zur Vorbereitung schreibt Ali die Zielsetzung des Projekts auf.
To prepare, Ali writes down the objective of the project.
Das Ziel des Treffens ist eine schnelle Lösung für alle.
The goal of the meeting is a quick solution for everyone.