over / finished
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over / finished
Expresses that something is ended, completed, or over. It is often used in phrases such as 'zu Ende gehen' (to come to an end) or 'zu Ende sein' (to be over). The official spelling is 'zu Ende'.
Der Film ist gleich zuende.
The film is almost over.
Although the one-word spelling 'zuende' is very common, according to Duden only the separate spelling 'zu Ende' is considered correct. In practice, however, you will find both forms.
Das Konzert geht langsam zu Ende.
The concert is slowly coming to an end.
'Zuende' or 'zu Ende' almost always appears in fixed combinations with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'gehen' (to go). The phrase 'etwas ist zu Ende' describes a state, while 'etwas geht zu Ende' describes a process.
Das Schuljahr ist bald zu Ende.
The school year will soon be over.
The phrase is often used for time-related processes or events. Typical examples are: a film is over, a conversation is over, a vacation is coming to an end, or someone's strength is running out.
Nach einem langen Tag gingen seine Kräfte zu Ende.
After a long day, his strength was running out.
over / past
„Vorbei“ emphasizes that an event is no longer happening or has already passed. „Zuende“, officially written „zu Ende“, focuses more on the endpoint that has been reached or is approaching. „Vorbei“ fits a state that is already over, while „zu Ende“ is often better for the process of coming to an end.
Nach der letzten Szene geht die Vorstellung zu Ende.
After the final scene, the show comes to an end.
Als wir ankommen, ist die Vorstellung schon vorbei.
By the time we arrive, the show is already over.
