die Orientierung
orientation
The ability to determine one’s own position in space and find the right way.
EXAMPLE
In dem dichten Wald verlor ich schnell die Orientierung.
In the dense forest, I quickly lost my orientation.
die Orientierung
orientation
die Orientierung, die Orientierungen
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Meanings
die Orientierung
guidance
A general direction, guide, or guideline that helps someone find their way in a complex situation or topic.
EXAMPLE
Das Einführungskapitel gibt eine erste Orientierung über den Inhalt des Buches.
The introductory chapter provides initial guidance on the content of the book.
die Orientierung
orientation
The alignment of personal, professional, or political goals and values.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Schulabschluss suchen viele junge Menschen nach beruflicher Orientierung.
After finishing school, many young people look for career orientation.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Orientierung, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Orientierungen |
| genitive | der Orientierung |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Orientierung | die Orientierungen |
| accusative | die Orientierung | die Orientierungen |
| dative | der Orientierung | den Orientierungen |
| genitive | der Orientierung | der Orientierungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word ends in '-ung', which is typical for feminine nouns derived from a verb. The base is the verb 'sich orientieren' (to orient oneself / find one’s way), which means 'sich zurechtfinden' (to find one’s way).
EXAMPLE
Er musste sich in der neuen Stadt erst orientieren.
He first had to orient himself in the new city.
Word family
The word comes from 'der Orient' (the East). In the past, people oriented themselves by the position of the sun in the east in order to find direction. This basic idea of 'finding direction' is present in all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die Sonne geht im Orient auf.
The sun rises in the Orient.
Typical collocations
In the spatial sense, 'Orientierung' (orientation) is often combined with the verbs 'verlieren' (to lose), 'haben' (to have), or 'behalten' (to keep). A person with a good 'Orientierungssinn' (sense of direction) can find their way easily.
EXAMPLE
Ohne Karte hätte ich in der Großstadt die Orientierung verloren.
Without a map, I would have lost my orientation in the big city.
Typical verbs
When it is about content-based guidance, 'Orientierung' (guidance) is often used with verbs such as 'geben' (to give), 'bieten' (to offer/provide), or 'dienen' (to serve). Something helps someone understand a topic.
EXAMPLE
Diese Webseite bietet eine gute Orientierung für neue Studenten.
This website provides good guidance for new students.
Typical collocations
When it is about personal goals, 'Orientierung' (orientation) is often used with 'suchen' (to look for) or 'finden' (to find). People then speak, for example, of 'berufliche Orientierung' (career orientation) or 'politische Orientierung' (political orientation).
EXAMPLE
Viele Abiturienten suchen nach dem Abschluss nach beruflicher Orientierung.
Many high school graduates look for career orientation after graduation.
Compare with
Orientierung vs Richtung
direction
In politics or thought, Richtung refers more to a particular movement or a specific line. Orientierung, by contrast, describes a person’s fundamental goals and values. Richtung fits membership in a political movement; Orientierung fits the underlying values that guide someone.
Orientierung
Die politische Orientierung des Kandidaten beruht auf liberalen Werten.
The candidate’s political orientation is based on liberal values.
Richtung
Der Kandidat gehört einer liberalen Richtung innerhalb der Partei an.
The candidate belongs to a liberal movement within the party.
In real life
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