01
die Abwandlung
variation
A slightly changed form or version of something existing; a variant.
example
Dieses Gericht ist eine vegetarische Abwandlung des klassischen Rezepts.
This dish is a vegetarian variation of the classic recipe.
die Abwandlung
variation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Abwandlung' (variation) is a noun derived from the verb 'abwandeln' (to modify something slightly). The ending '-ung' turns verbs into nouns, which are always feminine (therefore 'die Abwandlung').
EXAMPLE
Die Endung „-ung“ ist ein klares Signal für ein feminines Nomen.
The ending '-ung' is a clear signal of a feminine noun.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about recipes, music, or stories, it means a 'variant'. If it is about grammar, words, or language, it means 'inflection'.
EXAMPLE
Diese Soße ist eine leichte Abwandlung des Originals. (Variante)
This sauce is a slight variation of the original. (variant)
Sentence structure with 'von' or genitive
To say what something is a variation of, you use either the preposition 'von' with the dative or the genitive. The genitive is somewhat more formal.
EXAMPLE
Der Film ist eine moderne Abwandlung von einem alten Märchen.
The film is a modern variation of an old fairy tale.
Register: technical language
In the meaning of 'grammatical change', 'Abwandlung' (inflection) is a technical term from language studies (linguistics). In everyday life, you will rarely hear this word used in this sense.
EXAMPLE
Im Deutschkurs lernen wir die verschiedenen Abwandlungen der Verben.
In German class, we learn the different inflections of verbs.
Compare with
Abwandlung vs Veränderung
change
'die Veränderung' and 'die Abwandlung' can both mean that something is made different. 'Veränderung' is more general and can also be large and important. 'Abwandlung' usually means a changed version of something that already exists, for example of a recipe, a plan, or a text. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases something is different. The difference is: an 'Abwandlung' stays close to the original, while a 'Veränderung' can go much further.
Abwandlung
Für das Fest kocht Lisa eine einfache Abwandlung des alten Familienrezepts.
For the party, Lisa is cooking a simple variation of the old family recipe.
Veränderung
Er braucht nach der langen Reise erst einmal eine Veränderung im Alltag.
After the long trip, he first needs a change in his everyday routine.
In real life
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