der  Zweck

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tsvɛk/

🎯 What does "der Zweck" mean?

Der Zweck (masculine) refers to the purpose, aim, objective, or function of an action, an object, or an institution. It describes what something is for or why something is done.

• Main meaning: *purpose, aim, objective, function, end*.

It's a very common word in German, often used in contexts of planning, justification, and functionality.

🧐 Grammar of "der Zweck" in Detail

"Zweck" is a masculine noun. It follows strong declension.

Note: The genitive singular can be "des Zwecks" or "des Zweckes", with "des Zwecks" being more common. Similarly for the dative singular: "dem Zweck" is more frequent than "dem Zwecke".

Example Sentences

1. Der Zweck dieser Übung ist es, die Grammatik zu festigen.
   (The purpose of this exercise is to consolidate grammar.)
2. Er verfolgte seine Ziele ohne Rücksicht auf den Zweck der anderen.
   (He pursued his goals without regard for the purpose of the others.)
3. Zu welchem Zweck(e) benötigen Sie diese Information?
   (For what purpose do you need this information?)
4. Er hat den eigentlichen Zweck der Reise vergessen.
   (He forgot the actual purpose of the trip.)
5. Die Stiftung verfolgt gemeinnützige Zwecke.
   (The foundation pursues charitable purposes.)

💡 How to use "der Zweck"?

"Der Zweck" is used to express the reason or goal behind something. Here are some typical contexts and phrases:

• Seinen Zweck erfüllen: To serve its purpose; to function as intended. Example: Der alte Stuhl erfüllt noch seinen Zweck. (The old chair still serves its purpose.)
• Zu diesem/welchem Zweck?: For this/what purpose? Example: Zu welchem Zweck sind Sie hier? (For what purpose are you here?)
• Etwas bezwecken: To aim for something with an action; to intend something. Example: Was bezweckst du damit? (What are you aiming at with that? / What's your purpose?)
• Der Zweck heiligt die Mittel: The end justifies the means. A controversial principle suggesting that even unfair methods are permissible if the goal is considered good.
• Zweckentfremdung: Misappropriation; using something for a purpose other than the one intended.

Difference to "Sinn": While "Zweck" often refers to the practical function or concrete goal, "Sinn" can also describe a deeper meaning or value. However, they can sometimes be interchangeable. Example: Der Sinn/Zweck des Lebens. (The meaning/purpose of life.)

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Zweck"

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a strong MAN (masculine -> der) using a big SPECK (sounds a bit like Zweck) of bacon 🥓 for some odd purpose (Zweck). Der man uses Speck for a Zweck.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Zweck" sounds a bit like the English word "check". You often have to check the purpose (Zweck) of something or someone's actions.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Zweck

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Zweig (der): Branch, twig (of a tree). Don't confuse them!

😄 A Little Joke about Purpose

Frage: "Was ist der Zweck eines Montag?"
Antwort: "Zu testen, wie lange man ohne Kaffee überleben kann!" 😉

(Question: "What is the purpose of a Monday?"
Answer: "To test how long one can survive without coffee!")

📜 Poem about Purpose (Zweck)

Ein jedes Ding, ob groß, ob klein,
soll doch zu einem Zwecke sein.
Die Uhr zeigt Zeit, das Bett zum Ruh'n,
Was ist der Zweck von meinem Tun?

Man sucht und fragt, man plant und hofft,
der Zweck des Lebens, findet man's oft?
Doch liegt er nicht im großen Plan,
fängt er vielleicht im Kleinen an?

(Every thing, whether big or small,
should serve a purpose after all.
The clock shows time, the bed for rest,
What is the purpose of my quest?)

(One seeks and asks, one plans and hopes,
life's purpose, does one find its scopes?
But maybe it's not in the grand design,
perhaps it starts in small things, divine?)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin der Grund, warum du handelst,
das Ziel, auf das du wandelst.
Mal bin ich klar, mal schwer zu seh'n,
ohne mich würd' vieles nicht gescheh'n.

Was bin ich? (I am the reason why you act,
The goal towards which you tracked.
Sometimes I'm clear, sometimes hard to see,
Without me, much wouldn't come to be.)

What am I? Solution: Der Zweck (The purpose)

🌐 Other Information about "der Zweck"

Well-known Saying:

• "Der Zweck heiligt die Mittel." - "The end justifies the means." This saying suggests that achieving a (supposedly good) goal justifies any means, even morally questionable ones. It's often a subject of ethical debate.

Word Composition (Etymology):

The word "Zweck" comes from Middle High German "zwec", which originally meant "nail" or "peg". From this, the meaning "target point" (like a nail one aims at) developed, eventually leading to the modern abstract meaning "aim, purpose".

Related Words:

• zweckmäßig: practical, functional, expedient
• bezwecken: to intend, to aim at
• zwecklos: purposeless, futile
• Verwendungszweck: intended use, purpose of use