die Kehrtwende
reversal
A complete 180-degree change in a previous opinion, stance, or policy.
EXAMPLE
In der Debatte vollzog der Politiker eine überraschende Kehrtwende.
In the debate, the politician made a surprising reversal.
die Kehrtwende
U-turn / reversal
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Meanings
die Kehrtwende
U-turn
The physical act of turning around 180 degrees in order to go or drive in the opposite direction.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer machte auf der schmalen Straße eine gewagte Kehrtwende.
The driver made a daring U-turn on the narrow road.
Usage tips
Word composition
'Kehrtwende' (U-turn/reversal) is a compound noun made from 'kehren' (to turn around) and 'Wende' (a turn, a change). The combination of the two words reinforces the meaning of a complete and often sudden 180-degree reversal.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma machte eine Kehrtwende in ihrer Strategie.
The company made a reversal in its strategy.
Typical verbs
The word 'Kehrtwende' (U-turn/reversal) is very often combined with the verbs 'machen' (to make/do) or 'vollziehen' (to carry out, to make). 'Eine Kehrtwende vollziehen' is a somewhat more formal expression.
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge vollzog vor Gericht eine Kehrtwende in seiner Aussage.
The witness made a reversal in his statement in court.
Context clue (opinion)
You can recognize the figurative meaning from an abstract context. When it is about politics, opinions, strategies, or decisions, it always means a change in stance.
EXAMPLE
Nach Protesten der Bürger vollzog die Regierung eine Kehrtwende in der Umweltpolitik.
After protests by citizens, the government made a reversal in environmental policy.
Context clue (movement)
You can recognize the literal, physical meaning from the context of movement. Words like 'Auto' (car), 'Fahrer' (driver), 'Straße' (road), 'Weg' (path), or 'Schiff' (ship) indicate that someone or something is actually turning around.
EXAMPLE
Das Schiff machte im Hafen eine langsame Kehrtwende.
The ship made a slow U-turn in the harbor.
Compare with
Kehrtwende vs Wende
turning point / turn
Wende can generally refer to an important turning point or change without everything being reversed. Kehrtwende, on the other hand, explicitly means a complete reversal of a previous position or policy. Use Wende for a decisive change, and Kehrtwende for a clear reversal of an established course.
Kehrtwende
Die Regierung vollzog nach den Protesten eine Kehrtwende in ihrer bisherigen Politik.
After the protests, the government made a complete U-turn on its previous policy.
Wende
Die neue Vereinbarung war eine Wende in der bisherigen Politik.
The new agreement marked a turning point in the previous policy.
In real life
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