01
die Spirale
spiral
A geometric shape that resembles a winding curve moving away from or toward a center.
example
Das Schneckenhaus hat die Form einer Spirale.
The snail shell has the shape of a spiral.
die Spirale
spiral
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'Spirale' (spiral) is often used for negative developments. Typical phrases are 'in eine Spirale geraten' (to get caught in a spiral), 'eine Spirale durchbrechen' (to break a spiral), or 'sich in einer Abwärtsspirale befinden' (to be in a downward spiral).
EXAMPLE
Das Land droht, in eine Spirale der Gewalt zu geraten.
The country is at risk of getting caught in a spiral of violence.
Productive word formation
To specify the type of negative development, 'Spirale' (spiral) is often used as the second part of a compound noun. Common examples are 'Gewaltspirale' (spiral of violence), 'Schuldenspirale' (debt spiral), or 'Negativspirale' (negative spiral).
EXAMPLE
Die steigenden Zinsen könnten eine gefährliche Schuldenspirale auslösen.
The rising interest rates could trigger a dangerous debt spiral.
Register: colloquial
In the medical meaning, 'Spirale' (IUD) is a colloquial expression. In a formal or medical context, the technical term 'Intrauterinpessar' (intrauterine device) is used.
EXAMPLE
Meine Ärztin hat mir die Hormonspirale empfohlen.
My doctor recommended the hormonal IUD to me.
Typical collocations (medicine)
In the context of contraception, 'Spirale' (IUD) is often specified by the material or how it works. The most common types are the 'Kupferspirale' (copper IUD) and the 'Hormonspirale' (hormonal IUD).
EXAMPLE
Sie informiert sich über die Vor- und Nachteile der Kupferspirale.
She is finding out about the advantages and disadvantages of the copper IUD.
Compare with
Spirale vs Teufelskreis
vicious circle
'Spirale' and 'Teufelskreis' can both describe a bad process that keeps reinforcing itself. A 'Spirale' (spiral) emphasizes development in one direction, for example that something is getting worse or faster and faster. A 'Teufelskreis' (vicious circle) emphasizes that one problem repeatedly has new consequences that reinforce the original problem, making it hard to get out. They can be confused because both are often used for negative developments. 'Teufelskreis' fits especially well when cause and effect reinforce each other.
Spirale
Nach der Kündigung geriet Paul in eine Spirale aus Sorgen und Geldproblemen.
After losing his job, Paul fell into a spiral of worries and money problems.
Teufelskreis
Wegen des Stresses schläft sie schlecht, und durch den schlechten Schlaf wird der Stress noch größer: ein echter Teufelskreis.
Because of the stress, she sleeps badly, and the poor sleep makes the stress even greater: a real vicious circle.
In real life
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