das  Highlight

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaɪˌlaɪt/

🌟 What exactly is a Highlight?

Das Highlight (noun, neuter) is a word adopted from English and refers to a Höhepunkt (high point, climax), a Glanzpunkt (brilliant moment, showpiece), or a particularly prominent, important, or interesting part of something.

It can refer to various things:

• The best part of an event (e.g., a concert, a trip, a presentation).
• Particularly important information or a feature (e.g., in a text, of a product).
• In hairdressing: lighter streaks in the hair (although the plural "Highlights" is often used here).

Since it only takes the article "das", there's no confusion about different meanings based on the article. ⚠️ Be mindful of the pronunciation: It's based on the English ['haɪ̯laɪ̯t].

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Highlight" in Detail

"Highlight" is a noun of neuter gender (das). It is declined like most nouns adopted from English, often taking an "s" in the genitive singular and "s" in the plural.

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Auftritt der Band war das Highlight des Festivals.
   (The band's performance was the highlight of the festival.)
2. In seiner Präsentation nannte er die wichtigsten Punkte als Highlights.
   (In his presentation, he called the most important points highlights.)
3. Der Blick vom Berggipfel war das absolute Highlight unserer Wanderung.
   (The view from the mountain top was the absolute highlight of our hike.)
4. Ich lasse mir beim Friseur ein paar Highlights machen.
   (I'm getting some highlights done at the hairdresser's.)

🎯 When to use "das Highlight"?

"Das Highlight" is frequently used to emphasize something positive and noteworthy. It's a very common Anglicism (loanword from English), especially in:

• Media and Reporting: To report on the high points of events, games, or films. (e.g., "Die Highlights des Spiels sehen Sie hier." - You can see the highlights of the game here.)
• Marketing and Advertising: To emphasize special features or benefits of a product or service. (e.g., "Das technische Highlight dieses Smartphones ist die Kamera." - The technical highlight of this smartphone is the camera.)
• Everyday Language: To talk about personal experiences. (e.g., "Mein Highlight des Urlaubs war der Besuch im Museum." - My highlight of the vacation was the visit to the museum.)

Compared to German synonyms like "Höhepunkt" or "Glanzpunkt", "Highlight" often sounds more modern and is preferred, particularly in more informal or media-related contexts. "Höhepunkt" can sometimes seem more neutral or formal.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Highlight"

• Article Mnemonic: Think of related neutral German words for special events: das Ereignis (the event), das Erlebnis (the experience), das Spektakel (the spectacle). Like these, it's das Highlight.

• Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds just like English "high light". Imagine a spotlight pointed at the most important, brightest spot on a stage – that's das Highlight! ✨

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Caution: Although sounding similar, "highlighter" in English means a marker pen used to mark text. The German word for this is "der Textmarker".

😂 A Little Joke

German:
Fragt der Lehrer: "Was war das Highlight eurer Ferien?"
Antwortet Fritzchen: "Der Moment, als Papa versucht hat, das Zelt aufzubauen und es wieder zusammengefallen ist – das war ein echtes Highlight für die Lachmuskeln!"

English Translation:
The teacher asks: "What was the highlight of your holidays?"
Little Fritz replies: "The moment Dad tried to set up the tent and it collapsed again – that was a real highlight for the laughing muscles!"

✍️ Poem about the Highlight

German:
Ein Tag vergeht, oft grau und schlicht,
doch plötzlich strahlt ein helles Licht.
Ein Moment, ganz klar und rein,
das muss das Highlight sein! Ob Lachen, Sieg, ob Kuss, ob Lied,
etwas, das man gern behüt'.
Im Strom der Zeit, ein heller Schein,
das Highlight prägt sich tief uns ein.

English Translation:
A day goes by, often grey and plain,
but suddenly shines a bright light's gain.
A moment, so clear and pure,
that must be the highlight, for sure!
Be it laughter, victory, kiss, or song,
something one gladly keeps along.
In time's stream, a shining beam,
the highlight embeds itself, a cherished dream.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin der beste Teil der Show,
der Grund für manches "Ah!" und "Oh!".
Auf Reisen bin ich oft das Ziel,
von mir erzählt man gern und viel.
Ich strahle hell, bin oft beklatscht,
auch wenn ich manchmal unerwart'.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I am the best part of the show,
The reason for many an "Ah!" and "Oh!".
On travels, I am often the goal,
People like to talk about me, heart and soul.
I shine brightly, am often applauded,
Even when sometimes unexpected.

What am I?

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Highlight" comes directly from English, composed of "high" and "light". It was adopted into German in the 20th century.

Prevalence: It is a very frequently used Anglicism firmly established in the German vocabulary, especially in the fields of media, marketing, events, and youth language.