die Abwechslung
variety / change
A change that interrupts routine or monotony and provides variety.
EXAMPLE
Nach wochenlanger Arbeit brauche ich dringend etwas Abwechslung.
After weeks of work, I urgently need some variety.
die Abwechslung
variety / change
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Meanings
die Abwechslung
alternation
The process in which two or more things happen one after another or alternate.
EXAMPLE
Die Abwechslung von Sonne und Regen ist typisch für dieses Wetter.
The alternation of sun and rain is typical for this weather.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Abwechslung' (variety/change) is derived from the separable verb 'abwechseln' (to alternate). It describes the result when things 'wechseln' (change) or follow one another. The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun.
EXAMPLE
Die Jahreszeiten wechseln sich ab und sorgen für Abwechslung in der Natur.
The seasons alternate and provide variety in nature.
Context clue
When it is about a break from routine, 'Abwechslung' (variety/change) is often used with verbs like 'brauchen' (to need) or 'sorgen für' (to provide). When it describes a sequence, it often appears with 'von ... und ...' (of ... and ...).
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche mal etwas Abwechslung vom Büroalltag.
I need a bit of variety from everyday office life.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Vielfalt' (variety), the word is often used in fixed phrases: 'für Abwechslung sorgen' (to provide variety), 'etwas Abwechslung brauchen' (to need some variety), or to do something 'zur Abwechslung' (for a change).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns zur Abwechslung mal ins Kino gehen statt fernzusehen.
Let's go to the movies for a change instead of watching TV.
Describing a sequence
When 'Abwechslung' (alternation) describes a sequence, the structure 'die Abwechslung von [thing 1] und [thing 2]' (the alternation of [thing 1] and [thing 2]) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Die Abwechslung von Theorie und Praxis macht die Ausbildung interessant.
The alternation of theory and practice makes the training interesting.
Compare with
Abwechslung vs Wechsel
change / switch
For things that replace one another in succession, both Wechsel and Abwechslung can be used. Wechsel refers more to the individual change from one thing to the next, while Abwechslung emphasizes the recurring sequence and the variety it creates. Abwechslung is more suitable for an invigorating variety.
Abwechslung
Die Abwechslung zwischen Vortrag und Diskussion macht den Unterricht lebendig.
The variety between the lecture and the discussion makes the class lively.
Wechsel
Der Wechsel zwischen Vortrag und Diskussion erfolgt nach jeder Stunde.
The change between the lecture and the discussion takes place after every hour.
In real life
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