der  Schlusspunkt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃlʊspʊŋkt/

🎯 What Exactly is a Schlusspunkt?

Der Schlusspunkt is a masculine noun (Maskulinum) with two main meanings:

1. The punctuation mark period/full stop (.): It marks the end of a declarative sentence or an imperative. In this sense, it's often just called Punkt.

   Example: Am Ende dieses Satzes steht ein Schlusspunkt. (There is a full stop at the end of this sentence.)

2. The final point or conclusion (figurative): It refers to the end of a development, discussion, event, or action. It signifies the final moment or the last action.

   Example: Die Unterzeichnung des Vertrags war der Schlusspunkt der langen Verhandlungen. (The signing of the contract was the final point/conclusion of the long negotiations.)

⚠️ The only article for this word is der. Mix-ups are unlikely.

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'der Schlusspunkt'

The noun 'Schlusspunkt' is masculine. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Bitte vergiss den Schlusspunkt am Ende des Satzes nicht.
   (Please don't forget the full stop at the end of the sentence.)
2. Mit seiner Rede setzte der Präsident einen würdigen Schlusspunkt unter die Gedenkfeier.
   (With his speech, the president put a dignified final point to the commemoration ceremony.)
3. Die Zerstörung der Brücke bildete den traurigen Schlusspunkt des Konflikts.
   (The destruction of the bridge formed the sad conclusion of the conflict.)
4. Viele Sätze benötigen Schlusspunkte.
   (Many sentences require full stops.)

💡 How to Use 'Schlusspunkt'?

Usage depends on the meaning:

• As punctuation: Here, 'Schlusspunkt' is a synonym for 'Punkt' (period/full stop) at the end of a sentence. You'll find it more often in linguistic or educational contexts. In everyday life, people usually just say 'Punkt'.
• Figuratively: This meaning is more common in formal language or when emphasizing the end of something. People often talk about 'einen Schlusspunkt setzen' (to put an end to something, to conclude) or that something 'bildet den Schlusspunkt' (forms the final point/conclusion).

Comparison: While 'Ende' or 'Abschluss' generally mean the ending, 'Schlusspunkt' often emphasizes the final, decisive act or moment that definitively concludes something.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der' as the masculine article. The final point or statement is often decisive and strong, like a masculine figure ending a discussion. Der makes the final Punkt.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: 'Schluss' means end or conclusion, and 'Punkt' means point or dot. So, 'Schlusspunkt' is literally the 'end-point' – either the dot (.) ending a sentence or the final point ending an event.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Höhepunkt: (climax, peak) The most important or intense part, not the end.
• Wendepunkt: (turning point) A point where something changes fundamentally, not necessarily the end.

😂 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Was kommt nach dem Satz?"
Fritzchen: "Der Schlusspunkt, Herr Lehrer!"
Lehrer: "Sehr gut! Und was kommt nach dem Schlusspunkt?"
Fritzchen: "Der Papierkorb?"

Translation:
Teacher: "What comes after the sentence?"
Little Fritz: "The full stop, Sir!"
Teacher: "Very good! And what comes after the full stop?"
Little Fritz: "The wastebasket?"

📜 A Short Poem

Ein langer Weg, nun ist es Zeit,
für Ruhe und Besinnlichkeit.
Die Arbeit ist getan, vollbracht,
ein letztes Wort, bei Tag, bei Nacht.
Es endet hier, ganz klar und bunt,
der Schlusspunkt macht die Sache rund.

Translation:
A long road, now the time is here,
For peace and contemplation clear.
The work is finished, done just right,
A final word, by day, by night.
It ends right here, distinct and sound,
The final point makes it all round.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich beende Sätze klein und rund,
mache ein Ende zu jeder Stund'.
Mal bin ich Zeichen, mal das Finale,
beende Reden und Rituale.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I end sentences, small and round,
I make an end at every hour's sound.
Sometimes a symbol, sometimes the finale,
I end speeches and rituals, you see.

Who am I?

Answer: Der Schlusspunkt (The final point / full stop)

🧩 More Word Details

Word Composition:

The word 'Schlusspunkt' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Schluss (from schließen - to close): the end, the conclusion.
• Punkt: the point, the dot.

So, it literally describes the 'point of the end' or the 'concluding point'.