noun
der Spatenstich, -e
groundbreaking
The German word "Spatenstich" is a compound noun made up of:
- Spaten: spade or shovel
- Stich: stroke or stab (refers here to a digging action)
Meaning: It refers to the ceremonial "groundbreaking" or "laying of the first stone" at the start of a construction project.
Similar words:
- Grundsteinlegung (laying the foundation stone)
- Bauauftakt (start of construction)
Difference:
- Spatenstich specifically highlights the symbolic act of digging the first shovel into the ground.
- Grundsteinlegung focuses on placing the foundation stone as a ceremonial event.
- Bauauftakt is a broader term denoting the official beginning of construction work.
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Examples
Der Spatenstich für das neue Haus war gestern.noun
The groundbreaking for the new house was yesterday.
Nach dem feierlichen Spatenstich begannen die Bauarbeiten sofort.noun
After the ceremonial groundbreaking, the construction work began immediately.
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