change of course
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change of course
A fundamental change in a previous strategy, policy, or approach, for example in politics or in a company.
Die Partei vollzog nach der Wahlniederlage einen deutlichen Kurswechsel.
After the election defeat, the party made a clear change of course.
The word is composed of 'der Kurs' (the course) and 'der Wechsel' (the change). 'Kurs' can mean both an actual direction (direction of travel) and a figurative strategy (political course), which explains the two main meanings.
Nach dem schlechten Quartalsergebnis kündigte die Firma einen Kurswechsel an.
After the poor quarterly result, the company announced a change of course.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about politics, business, or a strategy, the figurative meaning is meant. If it is about ships, airplanes, or vehicles, the literal change of direction is meant.
Die neue Regierung versprach einen sofortigen Kurswechsel in der Umweltpolitik.
The new government promised an immediate change of course in environmental policy.
In a political or strategic context, a Kurswechsel (change of course) is often combined with the verbs 'vollziehen' (to carry out), 'vornehmen' (to make), or 'einleiten' (to initiate). These verbs are more formal than 'machen' (to make/do).
Das Unternehmen hat einen radikalen Kurswechsel vollzogen.
The company has carried out a radical change of course.
To describe the nature of the strategic change, adjectives such as 'radikal' (radical), 'deutlich' (clear/significant), 'plötzlich' (sudden), or 'überraschend' (surprising) are often used.
Niemand hatte mit diesem plötzlichen Kurswechsel der Parteiführung gerechnet.
No one had expected this sudden change of course by the party leadership.
turning point / turn
'die Wende' and 'der Kurswechsel' can both mean that something takes a new direction. 'die Wende' is more general: it can be a major turning point in a story, in politics, or in a development, but also a real 180-degree change of direction. 'der Kurswechsel' emphasizes more strongly that someone deliberately changes a previous strategy, policy, or direction of travel. The word fits especially well with companies, parties, plans, ships, or airplanes. The words can be confused because both have to do with direction and change. 'Wende' is broader; 'Kurswechsel' is more precise when a previous course is being abandoned.
Nach den schlechten Zahlen hat die Firma einen klaren Kurswechsel angekündigt.
After the poor figures, the company announced a clear change of course.
Mit dem späten Tor kam die Wende im Spiel.
The late goal was the turning point in the game.