der Kreislauf
circulation
The system of blood transport in the bodies of humans and animals, driven by the heart.
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßige Bewegung ist gut für den Kreislauf.
Regular exercise is good for circulation.
der Kreislauf
circulation / cycle
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Meanings
der Kreislauf
cycle
A closed, repeating process or cycle in which something returns to its starting point.
EXAMPLE
Der Wasserkreislauf aus Verdunstung, Wolkenbildung und Regen ist für das Leben auf der Erde fundamental.
The water cycle of evaporation, cloud formation, and rain is fundamental for life on Earth.
der Kreislauf
economic cycle
The flow of money, goods, and services in an economy.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung versucht mit neuen Programmen, den wirtschaftlichen Kreislauf anzukurbeln.
The government is trying to stimulate the economic cycle with new programs.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Kreislauf' consists of 'Kreis' (circle) and 'Lauf' (course/run). It literally describes a process that runs in a circle and returns to its starting point. This basic idea fits all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Der Kreislauf der Jahreszeiten bestimmt das Leben in der Natur.
The cycle of the seasons determines life in nature.
Context clue
Which kind of 'Kreislauf' (circulation/cycle) is meant is often made clear by a compound word or an adjective. For example, people speak of 'Blutkreislauf' (blood circulation), 'Wasserkreislauf' (water cycle), or 'wirtschaftlicher Kreislauf' (economic cycle).
EXAMPLE
Der wirtschaftliche Kreislauf wird durch Investitionen angekurbelt.
The economic cycle is stimulated by investment.
Typical collocations
In a medical context, 'Kreislauf' (circulation) is often connected with problems or their solution. Typical phrases are 'Kreislaufprobleme haben' (to have circulation problems), 'den Kreislauf anregen' (to stimulate circulation), or 'der Kreislauf ist schwach' (one's circulation is weak).
EXAMPLE
Bei heißem Wetter habe ich oft Probleme mit dem Kreislauf.
In hot weather, I often have problems with my circulation.
Productive word formation
The word 'Kreislauf' (cycle) is often used as the base word for many compound nouns that describe a cycle, e.g. 'Nährstoffkreislauf' (nutrient cycle), 'Geldkreislauf' (money cycle), or 'Kohlenstoffkreislauf' (carbon cycle).
EXAMPLE
Recycling ist wichtig, um Rohstoffe im Kreislauf zu halten.
Recycling is important in order to keep raw materials in the cycle.
Compare with
Kreislauf vs Zyklus
cycle
Kreislauf and Zyklus both refer to a process that repeats. Kreislauf emphasizes that something returns to its starting point and moves within a closed system, while Zyklus focuses more on the fixed sequence of its phases. Use “Kreislauf” for a return to the starting point and “Zyklus” for an ordered sequence.
Kreislauf
Im Kreislauf des Wassers gelangt der Regen wieder in die Flüsse und ins Meer.
In the water cycle, rain makes its way back into the rivers and the sea.
Zyklus
Der Zyklus der Pflanze beginnt im Frühling mit dem Wachstum und endet im Winter.
The plant’s cycle begins in spring with growth and ends in winter.
In real life
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