fluctuation / swaying
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fluctuation
A change or irregular up and down movement in values, prices, temperatures, or moods. It describes instability or oscillation around an average value.
Die starken Schwankungen an der Börse beunruhigen die Anleger.
The strong fluctuations on the stock market are worrying investors.
swaying
A physical, rocking or swaying movement of an object.
Die leichten Schwankungen des Schiffes machten ihn seekrank.
The slight swaying of the ship made him seasick.
The noun 'die Schwankung' (fluctuation/swaying) is derived directly from the verb 'schwanken' (to fluctuate / to sway). The ending '-ung' forms a feminine noun that describes the process or result of 'schwanken' (fluctuating/swaying), a very common pattern in German.
Das Schiff begann im Sturm stark zu schwanken.
The ship began to sway strongly in the storm.
The word is very often used in the plural 'Schwankungen' (fluctuations), especially when referring to repeated or irregular changes over a period of time.
Die ständigen Schwankungen seiner Laune sind anstrengend.
The constant fluctuations in his mood are exhausting.
In the figurative sense, 'Schwankung' (fluctuation) is often combined with adjectives like 'stark' (strong), 'gering' (slight), or 'saisonal' (seasonal). Typical compounds are 'Kursschwankungen' (price/exchange-rate fluctuations), 'Preisschwankungen' (price fluctuations), or 'Stimmungsschwankungen' (mood swings).
Im Frühling gibt es oft starke Temperaturschwankungen.
In spring there are often strong temperature fluctuations.
You can tell from context whether a physical movement or an abstract change is meant. With objects like ships or bridges, it is about movement. With topics like the stock market, temperature, or feelings, it is about changes in values.
Die Schwankungen der Hängebrücke im Wind waren beängstigend.
The swaying of the suspension bridge in the wind was frightening.
variation
Variation and Schwankung both refer to changes in values. Schwankung usually implies an irregular rise and fall, while Variation can also mean simple differences within a range. Use Schwankung for changing values over time and Variation for generally different forms or levels.
Die Schwankung der Temperaturen während des Tages war besonders stark.
The fluctuation in temperatures during the day was particularly strong.
Die Variation der Temperaturen zwischen den einzelnen Räumen ist deutlich zu erkennen.
The variation in temperatures between the individual rooms is clearly noticeable.
