der Start, -s

Definition & meaning

Der Start means the beginning or launch of something. Its meaning depends on context:

• The beginning of an event or activity: the point when something begins.
• The start of a race or journey: the moment participants begin moving.
• Takeoff: the departure of an aircraft from the ground.
• The launch or initial operation of something: for example, a product, project, or computer program.

Grammar & word origin

Start is a masculine noun: der Start. Its usual plural is die Starts. It is not a compound word, so it has no meaningful parts to break down.

The word was borrowed from English start. The related German verb is starten ↗, meaning “to start,” “to launch,” or “to take off.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Possible synonyms include:

• Beginn ↗ and Anfang ↗: general words for a beginning; they are less associated with launches, races, or takeoffs.
• Auftakt ↗: often suggests the opening event or first part of a larger program.
• Abflug ↗: specifically an aircraft’s departure.
• Startschuss ↗: the signal that begins a race or activity.

Antonyms depend on the sense:

• Ende ↗ or Abschluss ↗: the end or completion of an event or activity.
• Landung ↗: the opposite of an aircraft’s takeoff.

Common phrases & collocations

• einen Start hinlegen ↗: to make a start, often a notably good or bad one.
• am Start sein ↗: to be ready or present; in a competition, to take part.
• einen guten Start haben ↗: to get off to a good start.
• Start und Ziel ↗: the start and finish of a race.