turning point / cut
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turning point
An important, often drastic event that marks a clear change or turning point in life, history, or a process.
Der Tod seiner Frau war ein tiefer Einschnitt in seinem Leben.
The death of his wife was a profound turning point in his life.
cut / notch
A physical notch, indentation, or cut made in a material or surface.
Der Schreiner machte einen kleinen Einschnitt ins Holz, um die Stelle zu markieren.
The carpenter made a small notch in the wood to mark the spot.
cutting
An artificially created depression in the terrain used to route a transport line such as a road or railway through it.
Für die neue Bahnstrecke war ein tiefer Einschnitt durch den Hügel notwendig.
For the new railway line, a deep cutting through the hill was necessary.
The word 'Einschnitt' derives from the verb 'einschneiden' (to cut into). It literally describes a 'Schnitt' (cut) into something. This basic idea applies both to the physical notch and to the figurative turning point in life.
Die Erfindung des Internets war ein tiefer Einschnitt in der Geschichte der Kommunikation.
The invention of the internet was a profound turning point in the history of communication.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If 'Einschnitt' refers to abstract things like 'Leben' (life), 'Karriere' (career), or 'Geschichte' (history), it means a turning point. If it refers to concrete things like 'Holz' (wood), 'Fels' (rock), or 'Gelände' (terrain), it means a physical cut.
Der Umzug in ein anderes Land war ein großer Einschnitt für die ganze Familie.
The move to another country was a major turning point for the whole family.
In the figurative meaning, 'Einschnitt' (turning point) is often combined with strong adjectives such as 'tief' (deep / profound), 'gravierend' (serious), 'einschneidend' (drastic), or 'historisch' (historic). It also frequently appears with the preposition 'in' and the dative.
Die Diagnose war ein gravierender Einschnitt in ihrem Leben.
The diagnosis was a serious turning point in her life.
cut
Schnitt and Einschnitt can both refer to a place created by cutting. Schnitt is the more general term for a separation, line, or opening. Einschnitt emphasizes that a cut was made into the material, creating a notch or indentation.
Ein kleiner Einschnitt am Rand der Pappe markiert die richtige Stelle.
A small notch at the edge of the cardboard marks the correct spot.
Mit einem geraden Schnitt teilt sie die Pappe in zwei Stücke.
With a straight cut, she divides the cardboard into two pieces.
