01
der Schwenk
swing
A quick, turning, or sideways movement of the body, a body part, or an object.
example
Mit einem schnellen Schwenk des Kopfes blickte er zurück.
With a quick swing of his head, he looked back.
der Schwenk
swing / pan
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Schwenk' (swing/pan) is derived directly from the verb 'schwenken' (to swing/pan). If you know the verb, you can more easily understand the meaning of the noun as a swinging or panning movement.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahnenträger schwenkte die Fahne im Wind.
The flag bearer waved the flag in the wind.
Fixed expression
In all meanings, 'der Schwenk' (swing/pan) is very often combined with the verb 'machen' (to make): 'einen Schwenk machen' (to make a swing/pan).
EXAMPLE
Der Tänzer machte einen eleganten Schwenk zur Seite.
The dancer made an elegant swing to the side.
Context clue
The figurative meaning of a change in direction can be recognized from the context. It is often used in reference to abstract things such as 'Thema' (topic), 'Diskussion' (discussion), 'Strategie' (strategy), or 'Politik' (politics/policy).
EXAMPLE
Nach diesem Argument gab es einen Schwenk in der Debatte.
After this argument, there was a shift in the debate.
Context clue
This special meaning is typical in the field of film and photography. Words such as 'Kamera' (camera), 'Kameramann' (cameraman), 'Aufnahme' (shot/recording), or 'Szene' (scene) in the sentence point to it.
EXAMPLE
Die Szene beginnt mit einem langsamen Schwenk über die Dächer der Stadt.
The scene begins with a slow pan across the rooftops of the city.
Compare with
Schwenk vs Schwung
momentum / energy
'der Schwung' and 'der Schwenk' can both describe a movement. 'Schwung' emphasizes the force and impulse of a movement, often in an arc. 'Schwenk' emphasizes more the sideways or turning direction of the movement, especially with a body part, an object, or a camera. The words can be confused because both have to do with movement. As a simple guide: for energy and the force of movement, 'Schwung' is more likely to fit; for a change of direction or camera movement, 'Schwenk' is more likely.
Schwenk
Der Schwenk der Kamera zeigte plötzlich den ganzen Marktplatz.
The camera pan suddenly showed the entire marketplace.
Schwung
Mit viel Schwung warf Paul den Ball über den Zaun.
With a lot of force, Paul threw the ball over the fence.
In real life
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