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The point in time when something stops or finishes; the end of an event, activity, or process.
Der Schluss des Films war überraschend.
The end of the film was surprising.
Zum Schluss möchte ich mich bedanken.
In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone.
Often used in formal or neutral contexts, such as meetings, presentations, or narratives.
A barrier, gate, or barrier-like structure that closes off a space or passage.
Der Schluss des Tores war verrostet.
The gate's closure mechanism was rusted.
Less common in modern usage; more typical in technical or architectural contexts.
In logic or mathematics, a conclusion or inference drawn from premises.
Der Schluss aus den Daten ist eindeutig.
The conclusion from the data is clear.
Used in academic or formal reasoning contexts.
Avoid using 'Schluss' as a verb in English. In German, 'Schluss machen' means 'to finish,' but in English, you would say 'to end' or 'to conclude' instead of 'toschluss.'
'Schluss' is best used for definitive endings, such as the end of a meeting, a process, or a narrative. For less formal or more gradual endings, consider 'Ende' or 'fertig sein' (to be finished).
From Middle High German 'sluz', related to Old High German 'sluz' (lock, barrier), from Proto-Germanic '*slut-', derived from the verb 'schließen' (to close). Cognate with English 'shut' and Dutch 'slot'.
In everyday speech, 'Schluss' is often used interchangeably with 'Ende', though 'Ende' is more common in some contexts (e.g., 'das Ende des Tages'). 'Schluss' may carry a slightly more formal or conclusive tone.