01
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
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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
'die Wende' and 'die Kehrtwende' can both mean a strong change of direction. 'Kehrtwende' is more precise and stronger: it is about a 180-degree change, so almost exactly in the opposite direction. This can refer to driving or also to an opinion or policy. 'Wende' is more general and can describe any important change in a development. Learners may confuse the words because both express a change of direction. If the change goes very clearly and completely against the previous path, 'Kehrtwende' fits better.
Kehrtwende
Nach vielen Beschwerden machte die Stadt eine Kehrtwende und stoppte den Plan.
After many complaints, the city made a U-turn and stopped the plan.
Wende
Nach der neuen Strategie kam in der Firma langsam die Wende.
After the new strategy, the company slowly began to turn things around.
In real life
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