der Umlauf
circulation
The circulation of things such as money, rumors, or documents, in which they are passed from person to person.
EXAMPLE
Die Zentralbank bringt neue Geldscheine in Umlauf.
The central bank puts new banknotes into circulation.
der Umlauf
circulation / orbit
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Meanings
der Umlauf
orbit
The circular or elliptical path on which a celestial body or an artificial satellite moves around another one.
EXAMPLE
Die Internationale Raumstation benötigt für einen Umlauf um die Erde etwa 90 Minuten.
The International Space Station needs about 90 minutes for one orbit around the Earth.
der Umlauf
circulation document
A document or folder that is passed around in order to a group of people for acknowledgment, review, or signature.
EXAMPLE
Bitte tragen Sie sich in die Liste ein, die im Umlauf ist.
Please add your name to the list that is being circulated.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'um' (around) and 'Lauf' (run/course, from laufen, to run). Literally, it describes a movement that goes 'around' something. This basic idea appears in all meanings: money circulates, a planet orbits the sun, a document circulates around the office.
EXAMPLE
Der Umlauf der Erde um die Sonne dauert ein Jahr.
The Earth's orbit around the sun takes one year.
Fixed expressions
In connection with money or information, the phrases 'etwas in Umlauf bringen' (to put something into circulation / to spread something) and 'im Umlauf sein' (to be in circulation / to be going around) are very common.
EXAMPLE
Es sind gefälschte Banknoten im Umlauf.
Counterfeit banknotes are in circulation.
Use in space contexts
In astronomy, 'Umlauf' (orbit) describes the path of an object. People often speak of 'einem Umlauf um' (one orbit around) another object, or say that something 'im Umlauf befindet' (is in orbit).
EXAMPLE
Der Satellit befindet sich in einem stabilen Umlauf.
The satellite is in a stable orbit.
Office context
This meaning is typical in the workplace. When people talk about an 'Umlauf' (circulation document) that has to be signed, they always mean a document or folder that is being passed around the department.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef hat einen Umlauf zur neuen Urlaubsregelung gestartet.
The boss started a circulation document about the new vacation policy.
Compare with
Umlauf vs Revolution
revolution
Both words can refer to the movement of a celestial body around another. Umlauf is the usual term in German for this, while Revolution in this sense is a technical term and much less common. Normally use Umlauf, and use Revolution only in an appropriate technical context.
Umlauf
Der Umlauf des Mondes um die Erde dauert etwa einen Monat.
The moon's orbit around the Earth takes about a month.
Revolution
Die Revolution des Mondes um die Erde dauert etwa einen Monat.
The moon's revolution around the Earth takes about a month.
In real life
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