umkreisen
to orbit
To move along a circular or elliptical path around a central point or body.
EXAMPLE
Der Mond umkreist die Erde in etwa 27 Tagen.
The Moon orbits the Earth in about 27 days.
umkreisen
to orbit / circle
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Meanings
umkreisen
to circle
To move repeatedly around a person or thing, often with a specific intention such as observing, approaching, or threatening.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder umkreisten den Eiswagen in freudiger Erwartung.
The children circled the ice cream truck in joyful anticipation.
umkreisen
to circle around
To keep coming back to the same topic mentally or in conversation.
EXAMPLE
Seine Gedanken umkreisten ständig die Frage, ob er die richtige Entscheidung getroffen hatte.
His thoughts constantly circled around the question of whether he had made the right decision.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Umkreisen' consists of the prefix 'um-' (around) and the verb 'kreisen' (to circle). The prefix is inseparable, which means it always stays at the beginning of the verb, even in a main clause.
EXAMPLE
Ein Satellit umkreist die Erde in 90 Minuten.
A satellite orbits the Earth in 90 minutes.
Past participle without 'ge-'
Because 'umkreisen' is an inseparable verb, the past participle is formed without the prefix 'ge-'. The correct form is 'hat umkreist' (has orbited/circled), not 'hat umgekreist'.
EXAMPLE
Die Raumsonde hat den Planeten Jupiter erfolgreich umkreist.
The space probe successfully orbited the planet Jupiter.
Always with accusative
The verb 'umkreisen' always requires a direct object in the accusative. You ask: Whom or what does someone or something circle/orbit?
EXAMPLE
Die Wölfe umkreisten ihre Beute langsam.
The wolves slowly circled their prey.
Figurative meaning
Besides literal movement, 'umkreisen' can also be used figuratively for thoughts or topics. When thoughts 'ein Problem umkreisen' (circle around a problem), you are constantly occupied with it.
EXAMPLE
Seine Gedanken umkreisten immer wieder dieselbe ungelöste Frage.
His thoughts kept circling around the same unresolved question.
Compare with
umkreisen vs umgeben
to surround
Both words can express that something is located all around a central point. “Umgeben” mainly describes the position or enclosure, while “umkreisen” emphasizes movement along a circular path or repeated movement around something. Use “umgeben” for a fixed arrangement and “umkreisen” for movement.
umkreisen
Mehrere Vögel umkreisen den kleinen See.
Several birds circle the small lake.
umgeben
Hohe Bäume umgeben den kleinen See.
Tall trees surround the small lake.
In real life
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