Ziel
/tsiːl/neuter
The English phrase 'target' can be translated into German as Ziel.
Ziel is a neuter noun used to mean a goal or objective. It can refer to a physical target or an abstract goal.
Meaning: goal or objective (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Ziel can mean a physical target, it is also the standard word for an abstract goal or objective.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Ziel is Ziele, meaning goals or objectives. In the genitive singular, the form is des Ziels, meaning of the goal or target.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsiːl/
Did you know?
- The word Ziel is a cognate of the 'til' used in Old English, meaning 'until' or 'to a certain point'.
- In a German railway station, the 'destination' on a departure board is listed as Ziel, treating the city as a physical target.
- The word Ziel can be part of the compound noun Zielgerade, meaning the 'final stretch' of a race or a process.
Examples in context
- Visiere das Ziel an.Take aim at the target.This sentence is useful for learning how to use Ziel when talking about aiming.Tatoeba #966158 by Sudajaengi, translation #680133 by Source_VOA
- Er verfehlte das Ziel.He missed the target.This sentence shows how to use Ziel when something misses its mark.Tatoeba #11991158 by Naina, translation #11990096 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- Der Pfeil traf das Ziel.The arrow hit the target.This sentence demonstrates how to use Ziel regarding an arrow hitting its mark.Tatoeba #673341 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #324144 by CK
- Unsere Firma hat ein ehrgeiziges Ziel für das nächste Jahr.Our company has an ambitious target for next year.
- Er hat das Hauptziel seiner Lebensreise erreicht.He has achieved the main target of his life's journey.
- Die Mannschaft hat ihr Ziel erreicht und den Pokal gewonnen.The team reached their target and won the cup.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing their career plans.
- FelixWas ist dein Ziel für dieses Jahr?What is your goal for this year?
- HannahMein Ziel ist eine neue Stelle.My goal is a new job.
- FelixDas ist ein sehr gutes Ziel, Hannah.That is a very good goal, Hannah.
- HannahDanke, Felix! Ich arbeite hart daran.Thanks, Felix! I am working hard on it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “target” 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.
