German Conversation · Level 34
74 words
German word
Auftakt
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈaʊ̯fˌtakt/
Meaning
- masculine nounopening
Example
Die Veranstaltung hatte einen feierlichen Auftakt.
The event had a ceremonial opening.
More examples
Er gab den Auftakt mit einer kurzen Vorstellungsrunde.
He opened with a brief round of introductions.
Core concept
A small initial push that launches an event, series, or process into its next phase.
Common phrases
den Auftakt geben
give the opening
ein guter Auftakt
a good start
Similar words
Anfang: The first point in the course of something.
Beginn: The point when an event or period officially begins.
Eröffnung: A ceremony that formally opens an event or exhibition.
Start: The moment when a competition or action begins.
Definition in German
Ein kurzer Anstoß oder Impuls am Anfang von etwas, der den weiteren Verlauf einleitet.
Word origin
The musical sense of Auftakt developed from the compound auf plus Takt, naming the upbeat that leads into the first full measure before the word acquired broader meanings.
Usage tips
- The pattern 'Auftakt zu' takes the dative and commonly introduces what follows, as in 'der Auftakt zu einer Reihe'.