turbulent
Characterized by unrest, hectic activity, and confusion; very lively and stormy.
EXAMPLE
Es war eine turbulente Sitzung mit vielen hitzigen Diskussionen.
It was a turbulent meeting with many heated discussions.
turbulent
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Meanings
turbulent
In physics and meteorology, a flow of air or water that is irregular and swirling.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der turbulenten Luftströmungen war der Flug sehr unruhig.
Because of the turbulent air currents, the flight was very bumpy.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'turbulent' belongs to the word family of 'die Turbulenz' (turbulence). Both words describe a state of strong, irregular movement or unrest.
EXAMPLE
Der Pilot warnte die Passagiere vor erwarteten Turbulenzen.
The pilot warned the passengers about expected turbulence.
Typical collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'turbulent' often describes periods of time or events. Common combinations are 'turbulente Zeiten' (turbulent times), 'ein turbulentes Leben' (a turbulent life), or 'eine turbulente Beziehung' (a turbulent relationship).
EXAMPLE
Die Band blickt auf eine turbulente Karriere mit vielen Höhen und Tiefen zurück.
The band looks back on a turbulent career with many ups and downs.
Context clue: technical language
You can recognize the physical meaning from the context. When 'turbulent' is used together with words like 'Luft' (air), 'Strömung' (flow/current), 'Wasser' (water), or 'Flug' (flight), the scientific meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser im Bach wurde nach dem starken Regen sehr turbulent.
The water in the stream became very turbulent after the heavy rain.
Compare with
turbulent vs unruhig
restless / unsettled
When air or water is moving, both unruhig and turbulent can be used. Unruhig describes a generally uneven, unsettled state; turbulent is more precise here and refers to an irregular, swirling flow. Use unruhig for a general observation and turbulent for the technically precise description of the flow.
turbulent
Wegen des starken Windes entstand vor der Küste eine turbulente Wasserströmung.
Because of the strong wind, a turbulent water current formed off the coast.
unruhig
Wegen des starken Windes war das Wasser am Ufer den ganzen Morgen unruhig.
Because of the strong wind, the water along the shore was choppy all morning.
In real life
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