01
der Zweck
purpose
The goal, intention, or point behind an action, object, or institution.
example
Der Zweck der neuen Regelung ist die Erhöhung der Sicherheit.
The purpose of the new regulation is to increase safety.
der Zweck
purpose
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
Important adjectives are derived from the noun 'der Zweck' (purpose). 'Zwecklos' means 'pointless,' while 'zweckmäßig' describes something that is practical and well suited to a goal.
EXAMPLE
Ohne Werkzeug ist jeder Reparaturversuch zwecklos.
Without tools, any attempt at repair is pointless.
Preposition 'zu'
To express a purpose, the preposition 'zu' is used very often. The fixed phrase 'zum Zweck' + genitive means 'with the aim of' or 'for the purpose of.'
EXAMPLE
Er reiste nach Berlin zum Zweck einer Konferenz.
He traveled to Berlin for the purpose of a conference.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Zweck' (purpose) are 'einen Zweck erfüllen' (to serve a purpose), 'einem Zweck dienen' (to serve a purpose), or 'seinen Zweck verfehlen' (to fail to achieve its purpose).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Werkzeug erfüllt seinen Zweck perfekt.
This tool serves its purpose perfectly.
Fixed expression
The expression 'es hat keinen Zweck' (there's no use / it's no use) is a very common way to say that an action is pointless or futile. The 'es' at the beginning is a fixed part of the expression.
EXAMPLE
Es hat keinen Zweck, bei diesem Sturm nach draußen zu gehen.
There's no use going outside in this storm.
Compare with
Zweck vs Grund
reason / ground
'der Grund' and 'der Zweck' both explain why someone does something or why something exists. 'der Grund' looks more backward: it names the cause or occasion. 'der Zweck' looks more forward: it names the goal or purpose of an action or object. Learners easily confuse the words because both can answer the question 'warum?' (why?). In practical terms: 'der Grund' explains what caused something. 'der Zweck' explains what something is made or done for.
Zweck
Der Zweck dieser Übung ist, neue Wörter sicherer zu benutzen.
The purpose of this exercise is to use new words more confidently.
Grund
Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen kann die Chefin heute nicht zum Training kommen.
For health reasons, the boss cannot come to training today.
In real life
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