German word

Zweck

Pronunciation

IPA/tsvɛk/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpurpose

Example

Welchem Zweck dient dieses Formular?

What purpose does this form serve?

Illustration for Zweck (purpose)

More examples

Das Projekt soll einen klaren Zweck erfüllen.

The project should serve a clear purpose.

Core concept

A destination marker that identifies what an action, object, or plan is directed toward.

Common phrases

  • einen Zweck erfüllen

    serve a purpose

  • einen Zweck verfolgen

    pursue an aim

  • zu welchem Zweck

    for what purpose

Similar words

Ziel: The result or endpoint that someone ultimately wants to achieve.
Absicht: The plan or thought motivating someone to act.
Sinn: The meaning or significance that an action or thing carries.

Definition in German

Die Absicht oder Funktion, die etwas erfüllen soll.

Word origin

The German noun Zweck comes from Middle High German zwec, which meant a nail or peg before developing the senses target and intended purpose.

Usage tips

  • The verb dienen takes the dative, so "Welchem Zweck dient dieses Formular?" uses welchem rather than welchen.

Other meanings

  • usenoun
  • aimnoun

Opposites

  • Zwecklosigkeitpointlessnessnoun

Related words

  • zweckmäßigpracticaladjective
  • Zweckmäßigkeitpracticalitynoun

Word lists with this word