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rotierend
rotating
Turning around a central point or an axis.
example
Die rotierenden Blätter des Ventilators sorgten für eine kühle Brise.
The rotating blades of the fan created a cool breeze.
rotierend
rotating
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Rotierend' (rotating) is the present participle of the verb 'rotieren' (to rotate). Like many present participles, it can be used as an adjective before a noun and then describes an ongoing action or quality.
EXAMPLE
Ein rotierendes Licht auf dem Dach warnte die anderen Autos.
A rotating light on the roof warned the other cars.
Typical collocations
In its physical meaning, 'rotierend' (rotating) is often combined with technical devices or celestial bodies. Typical examples are 'rotierende Klingen' (rotating blades), 'eine rotierende Bürste' (a rotating brush), or 'ein rotierender Planet' (a rotating planet).
EXAMPLE
Die rotierende Scheibe der Säge ist extrem scharf.
The rotating disc of the saw is extremely sharp.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the noun. If 'rotierend' (rotating) refers to abstract terms like 'System' (system), 'Prinzip' (principle), 'Amt' (office), or 'Aufgabe' (task), it means regular alternation, not physical rotation.
EXAMPLE
Die EU-Ratspräsidentschaft wird nach einem rotierenden Prinzip alle sechs Monate neu vergeben.
The EU Council presidency is reassigned every six months according to a rotating principle.
Compare with
rotierend vs abwechselnd
alternating / varied
'abwechselnd' and 'rotierend' can both mean that several people or things take turns. 'abwechselnd' is more general: first one thing happens, then the other, for example me on Monday, you on Tuesday. 'rotierend' fits especially well when tasks, roles, or positions are passed on in a fixed rotation. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a regular change. In practice: with two or more things taking turns, 'abwechselnd' is often natural; with a system of changing responsibilities, 'rotierend' sounds more precise.
rotierend
Im Team gibt es einen rotierenden Dienstplan für den Telefondienst.
The team has a rotating schedule for phone duty.
abwechselnd
In der Pause sitzen sie abwechselnd drinnen und draußen.
During the break, they take turns sitting inside and outside.
In real life
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