orbit
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orbit
The usually elliptical path on which a celestial body, such as a planet, moon, or satellite, moves around another, larger celestial body due to gravity.
Die Internationale Raumstation ISS benötigt etwa 90 Minuten für eine Erdumrundung in ihrer Umlaufbahn.
The International Space Station ISS takes about 90 minutes to circle the Earth in its orbit.
orbit
In a figurative sense, the sphere of activity or influence of a person or institution, or a fixed, repetitive path in life.
Nach seiner Beförderung bewegte er sich in ganz neuen gesellschaftlichen Umlaufbahnen.
After his promotion, he moved in completely new social orbits.
The word is logically built: it consists of 'Umlauf' (going around something) and 'Bahn' (a path or track). An 'Umlaufbahn' (orbit) is therefore literally a 'path for going around.'
Der Mond befindet sich auf einer stabilen Umlaufbahn um die Erde.
The moon is in a stable orbit around the Earth.
Pay attention to the preposition 'in' and the case. Movement into an orbit requires the accusative, while a state in orbit requires the dative.
Die Rakete brachte den Satelliten in die richtige Umlaufbahn.
The rocket put the satellite into the correct orbit.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about celestial bodies, but about people, their careers, or social influence. It often describes a fixed, repetitive path in life or a social environment.
Er war in den täglichen Umlaufbahnen seines Bürojobs gefangen.
He was trapped in the daily orbits of his office job.
orbit
Both words refer to the path of a celestial body or spacecraft around another celestial body. „Orbit“ is the more technical loanword, while „Umlaufbahn“ is usually more natural and easier to understand in general German. „Orbit“ works well in a scientific text, while „Umlaufbahn“ is more common in everyday language.
Der Satellit bleibt in einer stabilen Umlaufbahn um die Erde.
The satellite remains in a stable orbit around Earth.
Der Satellit bleibt im stabilen Orbit um die Erde.
The satellite remains in a stable orbit around Earth.
