digression / circumlocution
der Umschweif, die Umschweife
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digression / circumlocution
An unnecessarily complicated or indirect way of saying or doing something.
Seine Erklärung war voller Umschweife und kam nicht zum eigentlichen Punkt.
His explanation was full of digressions and never got to the actual point.
without beating around the bush
Directly and without unnecessary explanations or delays.
Sie sagte ihm ohne Umschweife, dass sie nicht mitkommen würde.
She told him without beating around the bush that she would not be coming along.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Umschweife |
| genitive | des Umschweifes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Umschweif | die Umschweife |
| accusative | den Umschweif | die Umschweife |
| dative | dem Umschweif | den Umschweifen |
| genitive | des Umschweifes des Umschweifs | der Umschweife |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Umschweif' (digression) sounds rather formal and is especially common in argumentative, journalistic, or written texts.
Der Bericht kritisiert die langen Umschweife in der politischen Debatte.
The report criticizes the lengthy digressions in the political debate.
In this meaning, 'Umschweif' (digression) is often used in the plural and commonly combines with words such as 'unnötig' (unnecessary), 'lang' (lengthy), or 'zahlreich' (numerous). A typical collocation is 'Umschweife machen' (to make digressions), usually in the negative: 'keine Umschweife machen' (not to beat around the bush).
Der Redner machte zahlreiche Umschweife, bevor er seine Entscheidung erklärte.
The speaker made numerous digressions before explaining his decision.
'Ohne Umschweife' (without beating around the bush) is often used with verbs of speaking or explaining. The expression usually comes before the statement or directly next to the verb.
Die Direktorin sagte ohne Umschweife, dass der Termin verschoben werde.
The director said without beating around the bush that the appointment would be postponed.
