Ziel
/tsiːl/neuter
The English phrase 'goal' is translated into German as Ziel.
Ziel is used to refer to a result that one is attempting to achieve. You can use the phrase am Ziel sein to indicate that someone has reached their destination or successfully achieved their objective.
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Ziel refers to a goal in the sense of an objective or destination, the word Tor is used for a goal in sports like soccer or for a physical gate or door. If you want to say 'to score a goal' as a verb, use ein Tor schießen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Ziel is Ziele.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tsiːl/.
Did you know?
- The English word 'till', used when referring to a cash drawer or a time limit, is a distant relative of Ziel. Both share a common ancestor in the Proto-Germanic word *tilą.
- German differentiates strictly between Ziel as an objective and Tor as a score. An English speaker saying Ich habe ein Ziel geschossen would sound as if they shot a life ambition with a gun.
- In German, the phrase das Ziel vor Augen haben means 'to have the goal before one's eyes'. It is used to describe a state of high motivation and clarity of purpose.
Examples in context
- Ist das Ihr Ziel?Is that your goal?This sentence is useful for asking if something is someone's goal using Ziel.Tatoeba #8091200 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2897082 by megamanenm
- Was war Toms Ziel?What was Tom's goal?This sentence is useful for asking what Tom's goal was using Ziel.Tatoeba #12207385 by mayabe, translation #9979828 by CK
- Was ist unser Ziel?What's our goal?This sentence is useful for asking what our goal is using Ziel.Tatoeba #12110092 by Naina, translation #2234087 by CK
- Wir haben das Ziel, unser Unternehmen weiterzuentwickelnWe have the goal to further develop our company
- Unser Anliegen ist es, die Kundenzufriedenheit zu steigernOur goal is to increase customer satisfaction
- Mit großem Bestreben verfolgen wir das Ziel, die Qualität unserer Produkte zu verbessernWith great endeavor, we pursue the goal of improving the quality of our products
- Mein Plan ist es, im nächsten Jahr ins Ausland zu reisenMy goal is to travel abroad next year
- Mein Plan ist es, dieses Jahr mein Studium abzuschließenMy goal is to complete my studies this year
- Ich habe das Vorhaben, ein neues Hobby zu findenI intend to find a new hobby
- Ich habe das Vorhaben, mehr Sport zu treiben und gesünder zu lebenI intend to do more sports and live a healthier lifestyle
- Unser Ziel ist es, die Umwelt zu schützen und nachhaltige Lösungen zu findenOur goal is to protect the environment and find sustainable solutions
- 106 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are discussing their plans for a new project.
- JuliaHast du schon ein Ziel für das Projekt?Do you already have a goal for the project?
- LukasJa, mein Ziel ist die schnelle Umsetzung.Yes, my goal is rapid implementation.
- JuliaDas klingt gut, Lukas.That sounds good, Lukas.
- LukasIch helfe dir gerne dabei.I will gladly help you with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries Ziel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ziel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
