der Schwung
momentum
A fast, often arcing movement that arises from an impulse and carries a certain force or energy with it.
EXAMPLE
Er öffnete die Tür mit Schwung und trat ein.
He opened the door with momentum and stepped inside.
der Schwung
momentum / energy
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Meanings
der Schwung
energy
Inner energy, enthusiasm, or drive that propels a person or an activity.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Urlaub war sie wieder voller Schwung für die Arbeit.
After her vacation, she was full of energy for work again.
in Schwung kommen
to get going
To begin to become active, lively, or productive.
EXAMPLE
Die Party brauchte eine Weile, um richtig in Schwung zu kommen.
The party took a while to really get going.
der Schwung
batch
Colloquial for a larger number or amount of things or people that arrive or are dealt with all at once.
EXAMPLE
Heute ist ein ganzer Schwung neuer Bewerbungen angekommen.
A whole batch of new applications arrived today.
der Schwung
sweep / flourish
An elegantly curved line or form, for example in handwriting or architecture.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Unterschrift hat einen schönen Schwung.
Her signature has a beautiful flourish.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Schwung' (momentum/energy) is closely related to the verb 'schwingen' (to swing). A swinging movement generates momentum, which helps you understand the basic meaning of energy and movement.
EXAMPLE
Die Turnerin holte auf der Schaukel Schwung für ihren Absprung.
The gymnast built up momentum on the swing for her jump.
Typical collocations
To describe a movement, the phrase 'Schwung holen' (to build up momentum) is often used for the preparation, and 'mit Schwung' (with momentum) for the execution.
EXAMPLE
Der Golfer holt mit dem Schläger Schwung und schlägt den Ball.
The golfer builds up momentum with the club and hits the ball.
Energy and motivation
When talking about motivation, people often speak of having 'neuen Schwung' (new energy) or being 'voller Schwung' (full of energy). You can also 'mitnehmen' (carry forward) or 'verlieren' (lose) the momentum.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem erfolgreichen Projektstart wollen wir den Schwung mitnehmen.
After the successful project launch, we want to carry the momentum forward.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'in Schwung kommen' (to get going) means that something slowly starts to function or become lively. With 'etwas in Schwung bringen' (to get something going), you can actively start this process.
EXAMPLE
Am Montagmorgen brauche ich immer einen Kaffee, um in Schwung zu kommen.
On Monday mornings, I always need a coffee to get going.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'eine große Menge' (a large amount) is colloquial. It is often used in the form 'ein ganzer Schwung' (a whole batch) to talk about a group of things or people that arrive all at once.
EXAMPLE
Der Postbote hat heute einen ganzen Schwung Pakete für die Nachbarn gebracht.
The mail carrier brought a whole batch of packages for the neighbors today.
Aesthetic form
In this meaning, 'Schwung' (sweep/flourish) describes an elegant, curvy line. People often say that handwriting or a drawing 'einen schönen Schwung hat' (has a beautiful flourish).
EXAMPLE
Die Kalligrafin zog die Buchstaben mit elegantem Schwung.
The calligrapher formed the letters with an elegant flourish.
Compare with
Schwung vs Posten
position / item / lot
Der Posten and der Schwung can both refer to a large quantity of goods. Der Posten presents the goods as a related unit, whereas der Schwung is colloquial and emphasizes that a lot arrives or is handled all at once. In a factual description of goods, Posten is usually more appropriate.
Schwung
Heute ist ein neuer Schwung Kleidung für den Verkauf angekommen.
A new batch of clothing for sale arrived today.
Posten
Der Händler kaufte einen großen Posten Kleidung zu einem günstigen Preis.
The dealer bought a large lot of clothing at a good price.
In real life
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