turbulence
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turbulence
Strong, irregular air movements that lead to noticeable shaking of an airplane, especially in aviation.
Der Pilot kündigte an, dass wir in ein Gebiet mit starken Turbulenzen einfliegen würden.
The pilot announced that we would be flying into an area with strong turbulence.
'Turbulenz' (turbulence) is an international word that comes from Latin. The ending '-enz' is typical for abstract nouns in German, such as 'Existenz' (existence) or 'Konsequenz' (consequence).
Die Frequenz der Turbulenzen hat in den letzten Jahren zugenommen.
The frequency of turbulence has increased in recent years.
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. In connection with 'Flugzeug' (airplane), 'fliegen' (to fly), or 'Pilot' (pilot), it refers to air movements. In texts about 'Politik' (politics), 'Wirtschaft' (the economy), or 'Beziehungen' (relationships), the figurative meaning of unrest is meant.
Während des Flugs gab es leichte Turbulenzen.
There was light turbulence during the flight.
In the context of aviation, 'Turbulenz' (turbulence) is often combined with adjectives like 'stark' (strong), 'leicht' (light), or 'unerwartet' (unexpected). A typical phrase is also 'in Turbulenzen geraten' (to hit turbulence).
Das Flugzeug geriet unerwartet in starke Turbulenzen.
The airplane unexpectedly hit strong turbulence.
In the figurative meaning, the word is very frequently used in the plural 'Turbulenzen' (turmoil/turbulences). This describes a series of unsettled events or a phase of instability.
Nach der Ankündigung gab es Turbulenzen an der Börse.
After the announcement, there was turmoil on the stock market.
In the figurative meaning, combinations such as 'politische Turbulenzen' (political turmoil), 'wirtschaftliche Turbulenzen' (economic turmoil), or 'persönliche Turbulenzen' (personal turmoil) are common. The verb 'sorgen für' (to cause/lead to) is often used.
Der Skandal sorgte für erhebliche Turbulenzen in der Partei.
The scandal caused considerable turmoil within the party.
The physical meaning of 'Turbulenz' (turbulence) as chaotic flow is purely technical language. It is used almost exclusively in scientific or technical texts.
Das Experiment visualisiert die Turbulenz in der Wasserströmung.
The experiment visualizes the turbulence in the water flow.
crisis
'Krise' and 'Turbulenz' can both describe an uncertain or unsettled time. 'Krise' sounds more serious and emphasizes that a dangerous situation has developed and decisions are needed. 'Turbulenz' describes more unrest, rapid changes, or conflicts. The word can sound lighter or more figurative, especially in politics, business, or everyday life. Learners may confuse the words because both can fit difficult times. When it is about a real turning point, 'Krise' is more precise. When there is mainly a lot of unrest, 'Turbulenz' fits better.
Nach den Turbulenzen im Team wollen sie morgen ruhig über die neuen Aufgaben sprechen.
After the turmoil in the team, they want to talk calmly about the new tasks tomorrow.
Die Folgen der Krise spürt die kleine Firma noch immer.
The small company still feels the effects of the crisis.