turn of the century
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turn of the century
The transition from one century to the next. Most often, this refers to the period around the year 1900, that is, the change from the 19th to the 20th century.
Die Architektur der Jahrhundertwende ist durch den Jugendstil geprägt.
The architecture of the turn of the century is characterized by Art Nouveau.
This word is made up of 'das Jahrhundert' (the century) and 'die Wende' (the turning point/change). So it literally describes the 'turning point of a century.' The 's' in the middle is a typical linking element that connects the two parts of the word.
Viele technische Erfindungen stammen aus der Zeit der Jahrhundertwende.
Many technical inventions date from the period around the turn of the century.
If no other time is specified, 'die Jahrhundertwende' (the turn of the century) almost always means the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, that is, the period around 1900. This era has special significance in art and culture.
Die Mode der Jahrhundertwende war von Korsetts und langen Röcken geprägt.
The fashion of the turn of the century was characterized by corsets and long skirts.
To describe the approximate time period, the preposition 'um' (around) is used very frequently. The phrase 'um die Jahrhundertwende' therefore means 'around the turn of the century' or 'in the period around the year 1900.'
Mein Urgroßvater wurde um die Jahrhundertwende in Berlin geboren.
My great-grandfather was born in Berlin around the turn of the century.
turning point / turn
'Wende' and 'Jahrhundertwende' both have to do with a change or transition. 'Wende' is general: it can mean an important turning point or a decisive change in a development. 'Jahrhundertwende' is much more specific and means the transition from one century to the next, often the period around 1900. The words can be confused because both contain 'Wende'. When talking about a major change in a life, a story, or a process, you say 'Wende'. When talking about the time between two centuries, you say 'Jahrhundertwende'.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir über das Leben zur Jahrhundertwende.
In history class, we are talking about life at the turn of the century.
Der neue Auftrag brachte die Wende für die kleine Firma.
The new contract brought the turning point for the small company.