EN
AR
ES
FA
FR
HI
IT
JA
PL
PT
RO
RU
TR
UKR
ZH
peak climax highlight
ذروة قمة أوج
pico clímax momento culminante
اوج نقطه اوج برجسته‌ترین لحظه
pic apogée point culminant
शिखर चरम मुख्य आकर्षण
picco culmine momento clou
頂点 クライマックス ハイライト
szczyt klimaks punkt kulminacyjny
pico clímax destaque
vârf climax moment culminant
пик кульминация главный момент
zirve doruk önemli an
пік кульмінація найважливіший момент
顶点 高潮 亮点

der  Höhepunkt
B2
Estimated CEFR level.
/ˈhøːəˌpʊŋkt/

🎯 What Exactly is a Höhepunkt?

The word Höhepunkt (masculine) refers to the most important, intense, or highest point of an event, development, or narrative. It can be meant spatially (the highest point of a mountain) as well as temporally or figuratively (the most exciting moment of a film, the peak of a career).

It only takes the article der. It often describes a moment of great significance or intensity.

🧐 Grammar of 'der Höhepunkt' in Detail

The noun „Höhepunkt“ is masculine. Here is the declension:

Singular
CaseArticleNoun
NominativederHöhepunkt
GenitivedesHöhepunkt(e)s
DativedemHöhepunkt(e)
AccusativedenHöhepunkt
Plural
CaseArticleNoun
NominativedieHöhepunkte
GenitivederHöhepunkte
DativedenHöhepunkten
AccusativedieHöhepunkte

Note on Genitive Singular: Both forms, „Höhepunktes“ and „Höhepunkts“, are correct. The form with '-es' is slightly more formal.

Example Sentences

  • Der Film erreichte seinen Höhepunkt in der letzten Szene. (The film reached its climax in the final scene.)
  • Die Feierlichkeiten fanden ihren Höhepunkt im Feuerwerk um Mitternacht. (The celebrations culminated in the fireworks at midnight.)
  • Vom Höhepunkt des Berges hatten wir eine wunderbare Aussicht. (From the peak of the mountain, we had a wonderful view.)
  • Seine Karriere erreichte ihren Höhepunkt mit der Beförderung zum Direktor. (His career peaked with the promotion to director.)

💬 How to Use „Höhepunkt“?

„Höhepunkt“ is often used to describe the most intense or important moment:

  • In narratives/films/music: The moment of greatest tension or the decisive turning point (Kulmination, Klimax).
  • At events/celebrations: The main item on the agenda or the most festive moment.
  • In careers/developments: The pinnacle of success or development (Zenit).
  • Geographically (less common): The highest point of a terrain (Gipfel).

It's generally a positive word, but can also neutrally describe the most intense point (e.g., Höhepunkt einer Krise - peak of a crisis).

Comparison: WhileGipfeloften refers geographically or figuratively to reaching a goal, „Höhepunkt“ emphasizes the moment of greatest intensity or significance within a course of events.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article: Think of der Berg (the mountain). The highest point of the mountain is der Höhepunkt.

Meaning: Imagine a curve going up. Right at the top is the Höhe-Punkt (high-point) – the most important moment.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Höhepunkt

Synonyms (Similar Meaning):

  • Kulmination: Often for the decisive point in a development or narrative.
  • Gipfel: Can be synonymous, but often more focused on achieving a goal or geographical points.
  • Zenit: The highest point (astronomical or figurative, e.g., zenith of fame).
  • Klimax: Technical term in literature/dramaturgy for the peak of tension.
  • Glanzpunkt: A particularly outstanding, often positive moment.

Antonyms (Opposites):

  • Tiefpunkt: The lowest or worst point.
  • Nadir: The absolute low point (often figurative).
  • Anfang / Beginn: The starting point of a development.
  • Antiklimax: A disappointing drop in tension after a buildup.

⚠️ Caution:Spitzecan be similar, but often refers to something physical or a leading position.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Bergsteiger seinen Wecker mit auf den Gipfel genommen?
(Why did the mountaineer take his alarm clock to the summit?)

Damit er den Höhepunkt nicht verschläft!
(So he wouldn't oversleep the peak/climax!)

📜 Poem about the Word

Ein langer Weg, mal steil, mal flach,
(A long path, sometimes steep, sometimes flat,)
Man strebt empor, hält niemals schwach.
(One strives upwards, never holds back weakly.)
Dann ist er da, ganz klar und rein,
(Then it's there, completely clear and pure,)
Der Höhepunkt, so soll es sein.
(The climax/peak, as it should be.)
Ein Augenblick, voll Glanz und Macht,
(A moment, full of splendor and power,)
Bevor der Abstieg kommt, ganz sacht.
(Before the descent comes, very gently.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin der Gipfel der Geschichte,
(I am the summit of the story,)
der intensivste Teil im Lichte.
(the most intense part in the light.)
Ob Fest, ob Film, ob Bergeskamm,
(Whether festival, film, or mountain ridge,)
ich bin das Ende vom Programm,
(I am the end of the program,)
bevor es wieder abwärts geht.
(before it goes downhill again.)
Wie heiß ich wohl, wenn man's versteht?
(What am I called, if you understand?)

Solution: Der Höhepunkt

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition: The word „Höhepunkt“ is a compound noun, composed of:

  • Höhe (noun): Refers to height or level.
  • Punkt (noun): Refers to a specific point or moment.

Together, they create the meaning 'the highest or most intense point/moment'.

📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Höhepunkt?

The word „Höhepunkt“ is always masculine. The correct form is: der Höhepunkt. It describes the most important or intense moment of an event or development, translating to climax or peak.

🤖

Interactive Learning

I can answer questions about the word you're looking up. Ask in any language (DE, EN, FR, ES, RU…). For example: "How can I use this word in a business context?"
Explain this word to me as if I were 5 years old.
In what context can I use this word?
Save this page for quick access

Bookmark this page for quick access

Chrome

Chrome

Press Ctrl+D (Windows) or ⌘+D (Mac)

Safari

Safari

Press ⌘+D to bookmark this page

Firefox

Firefox

Press Ctrl+D (Windows) or ⌘+D (Mac)

Edge

Edge

Press Ctrl+D to bookmark this page

Or pin this tab for even quicker access:

Right-click on the tab and select "Pin Tab" to keep it always accessible.

Pin Tab Screenshot