01
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
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Meanings
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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 Wende
turning point / turn
'Wende' and 'Drehung' can both have to do with a change of direction. However, 'Drehung' mainly describes something moving around an axis or a fixed point, for example a wheel or the body while dancing. 'Wende' more often means a change of direction, often turning back or clearly changing the course of a development. In stories, 'Wende' can also mean an important new course of events; 'Drehung' can figuratively describe an unexpected new perspective or twist, but this is less common. The words can be confused because both express movement or change. For a car that turns around, 'Wende' fits; for a wheel, 'Drehung' fits.
Drehung
Bei der Übung machte sie eine schnelle Drehung um die eigene Achse.
During the exercise, she made a quick rotation around her own axis.
Wende
An der engen Straße machte der Fahrer eine vorsichtige Wende.
On the narrow road, the driver made a careful U-turn.
In real life
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