01
kreisen
to orbit
To move in a circular or elliptical path around a central point.
example
Die Planeten unseres Sonnensystems kreisen um die Sonne.
The planets of our solar system orbit the sun.
kreisen
to orbit / circle
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'kreisen' is derived directly from the noun 'der Kreis' (circle). So the basic meaning is always to be in, or move in, a circular motion.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder fassten sich an den Händen und tanzten im Kreis.
The children held hands and danced in a circle.
Perfect tense formation
The perfect tense of 'kreisen' is usually formed with 'haben'. The auxiliary verb 'sein' can be used when movement along a path is emphasized, but this is rarer.
EXAMPLE
Der Hubschrauber hat lange über der Unfallstelle gekreist.
The helicopter circled over the accident site for a long time.
Fixed preposition
In the figurative meaning for thoughts or conversations, 'kreisen' is almost always used with the preposition 'um' and the accusative. The topic in question follows after 'um'.
EXAMPLE
Das ganze Gespräch kreiste nur um das Thema Geld.
The whole conversation revolved only around the topic of money.
Context: astronomy
In the meaning 'sich um einen Punkt bewegen' (to move around a point), 'kreisen' is very often used in astronomical contexts for planets, moons, or satellites. Here, the preposition 'um' is also typical.
EXAMPLE
Der Mond kreist in etwa 28 Tagen um die Erde.
The moon orbits the Earth in about 28 days.
Compare with
kreisen vs drehen
to turn / film
'drehen' and 'kreisen' can both describe a circular movement. 'drehen' is used when something moves around its own axis or around a central point, for example a wheel or a person. 'kreisen' fits better when something moves in a circular path around a point, often in the air, like a bird over a field. There is also overlap with thoughts or conversations: something can 'sich um ein Thema drehen' (revolve around a topic), or thoughts can 'um ein Thema kreisen' (circle around a topic). Learners may easily confuse the words because both have to do with circular movement. A practical tip: 'drehen' is more general, while 'kreisen' emphasizes movement around something or repeatedly coming back to a topic.
kreisen
Über dem See kreisen mehrere Vögel.
Several birds are circling over the lake.
drehen
Das Kind dreht den Schlüssel langsam im Schloss.
The child slowly turns the key in the lock.
In real life
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