01
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
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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 Rhythmus
rhythm
'der Rhythmus' and 'der Kreislauf' can both describe something that repeats. 'Rhythmus' emphasizes regularity in the sequence: something happens at a certain pace or at recurring intervals. 'Kreislauf' emphasizes more that a process is closed and returns to the beginning. That is why people speak, for example, of the cycle of water or materials. The words can be confused when talking about repeated processes. As a guide: 'Rhythmus' is more about when and how often; 'Kreislauf' is about the path back to the beginning.
Kreislauf
Im Unterricht erklärt die Lehrerin den Kreislauf des Wassers.
In class, the teacher explains the water cycle.
Rhythmus
Nach der Reise braucht der Körper wieder seinen normalen Rhythmus.
After the trip, the body needs its normal rhythm again.
In real life
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