reversal / turning back
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turning back
The act of turning around and going or driving back in the opposite direction.
Wegen des Staus war eine Umkehr auf der Autobahn die einzige Möglichkeit.
Because of the traffic jam, turning back on the highway was the only option.
'Die Umkehr' is the noun corresponding to the separable verb 'umkehren' (to turn back). The verb describes the action of turning around, while the noun names the result or the act itself.
Als er seinen Fehler bemerkte, kehrte er sofort um.
When he noticed his mistake, he turned back immediately.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In connection with traffic (car, route), it refers to a physical change of direction. In connection with opinions, lifestyle, or politics, it refers to a fundamental change in behavior or thinking.
Wegen der Straßensperrung mussten die Fahrer eine Umkehr machen.
Because of the road closure, the drivers had to turn back.
In the literal meaning, 'Umkehr' is often combined with verbs like 'machen' (to make/do) or 'erzwingen' (to force). A typical phrase is 'jemanden zur Umkehr zwingen' (to force someone to turn back).
Das schlechte Wetter zwang die Wanderer zur Umkehr.
The bad weather forced the hikers to turn back.
In the figurative meaning, 'Umkehr' is often intensified with adjectives that describe the extent of the change. Common phrases are 'eine radikale Umkehr' (a radical reversal), 'eine völlige Umkehr' (a complete reversal), or 'eine späte Umkehr' (a late reversal).
Nach dem Herzinfarkt kam es bei ihm zu einer radikalen Umkehr seiner Essgewohnheiten.
After the heart attack, he made a radical reversal in his eating habits.
change
'die Veränderung' and 'die Umkehr' can both describe a new direction in a development. 'Veränderung' is more general: something becomes different, but not necessarily in the opposite direction. 'Umkehr' means a stronger reversal, where someone consciously gives up a previous opinion, behavior, or course. If something is merely adjusted, you are more likely to say 'Veränderung'. If there is a clear move away from the previous path, 'Umkehr' is more precise.
Nach der Kritik versprach der Politiker eine Umkehr in seiner Umweltpolitik.
After the criticism, the politician promised a reversal in his environmental policy.
Die Veränderung im Stundenplan kam für viele Schüler überraschend.
The change in the timetable came as a surprise to many students.