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
keinen Zweck haben
to be no use
A fixed expression meaning that something is pointless or futile.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Regen hat es keinen Zweck, spazieren zu gehen.
In this rain, there's no use going for a walk.
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 Ziel
goal / destination / target
Ziel and Zweck can seem similar when referring to a planned action. Ziel emphasizes the specific desired end state, while Zweck emphasizes what the action is for or the reason behind it. Ziel is therefore more suitable for a measurable result, while Zweck is more suitable for the intended function.
Zweck
Der Zweck des Trainings ist, mich auf den Lauf vorzubereiten.
The purpose of the training is to prepare me for the race.
Ziel
Mein Ziel ist, den Lauf in weniger als einer Stunde zu schaffen.
My goal is to finish the race in less than an hour.
In real life
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