die Drehung
rotation
The movement of a body around its own axis or a fixed center point.
EXAMPLE
Die Pirouette der Tänzerin bestand aus drei schnellen Drehungen.
The dancer's pirouette consisted of three quick rotations.
die Drehung
rotation / twist
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Drehung
twist
Figuratively, an unexpected turn or a new interpretation in a story, plan, or argument.
EXAMPLE
Die überraschende Drehung am Ende des Films hat niemand erwartet.
No one expected the surprising twist at the end of the film.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Die Drehung' (the rotation/twist) is derived from the verb 'drehen' (to turn). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the action or result of turning. This pattern is very common in German.
EXAMPLE
Die Erde vollendet eine Drehung um ihre Achse in 24 Stunden.
The Earth completes one rotation around its axis in 24 hours.
Typical collocations
In the physical sense, 'Drehung' (rotation) is often combined with the verb 'machen' (to make/do) or 'vollführen' (to perform). The degree of rotation is also often given, for example 'eine Drehung um 180 Grad' (a 180-degree rotation).
EXAMPLE
Der Tänzer machte eine elegante Drehung auf der Bühne.
The dancer made an elegant rotation on the stage.
Figurative meaning
This meaning refers to an unexpected development in a plot or line of action, for example in a film, book, or discussion. It is often combined with the adjective 'überraschend' (surprising).
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte nahm eine interessante Drehung, als der Detektiv selbst verdächtigt wurde.
The story took an interesting twist when the detective himself became a suspect.
Compare with
Drehung vs Dreh
trick / shoot / turn
Der Dreh usually refers more to a single turn and sounds less formal. Die Drehung is the general term for movement around an axis or a center point. Dreh fits a single brief movement, while Drehung refers to the movement as a process.
Drehung
Die langsame Drehung des Griffs öffnet schließlich die Tür.
The slow rotation of the handle eventually opens the door.
Dreh
Mit einem schnellen Dreh am Griff öffnet Jana die Tür.
With a quick turn of the handle, Jana opens the door.
In real life
Loading video examples...