01
umwandeln
to convert
To change something into another form, another state, or another substance.
example
Ein Kraftwerk wandelt Wärme in elektrische Energie um.
A power plant converts heat into electrical energy.
umwandeln
to convert / transform
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Umwandeln' (to convert/transform) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'um' comes at the end. In a subordinate clause and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Maschine wandelt Plastik in Granulat um.
The machine converts plastic into granulate.
Sentence structure with 'in'
The structure for a conversion is almost always: 'etwas (Akkusativ) in etwas anderes (Akkusativ) umwandeln' (to convert something into something else). The preposition 'in' indicates the result of the change.
EXAMPLE
Man kann Sonnenlicht in Strom umwandeln.
You can convert sunlight into electricity.
Typical collocations
Common uses of 'umwandeln' (to convert) refer to energy, data, or finance. Typical combinations are: 'Energie umwandeln' (to convert energy), 'eine Datei umwandeln' (to convert a file), or 'eine Währung umwandeln' (to convert a currency).
EXAMPLE
Können Sie diese Word-Datei in ein PDF umwandeln?
Can you convert this Word file into a PDF?
Sports and legal context
In a sports context, 'umwandeln' almost always means to successfully turn a penalty or penalty kick into a goal. In a legal context, you can recognize the meaning from words like 'Strafe' (punishment/sentence) or 'Urteil' (judgment/sentence).
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän verwandelte den Elfmeter souverän zum Siegtreffer um.
The captain confidently converted the penalty for the winning goal.
Reflexive with 'in'
When something changes by itself, the reflexive form 'sich umwandeln' (to transform) is used. Here too, the preposition 'in' is followed by the accusative to describe the result.
EXAMPLE
Unter Druck und Hitze wandelt sich Kohlenstoff in einen Diamanten um.
Under pressure and heat, carbon transforms into a diamond.
Compare with
umwandeln vs ändern
to change
'ändern' and 'umwandeln' both have to do with change. 'ändern' is more general: you can change a plan, an opinion, a text, or a part of something. Something can also change on its own. 'umwandeln' is more specific and stronger: something is turned into another form, another state, or something else. Learners may confuse the words because both describe change. As a simple guide: small or general changes are usually called 'ändern'. When something becomes another form or another state, 'umwandeln' fits better.
umwandeln
Die Schule will einen alten Klassenraum in eine Bibliothek umwandeln.
The school wants to convert an old classroom into a library.
ändern
Sie ändert den Termin, weil sie mit den Kindern zum Arzt muss.
She is changing the appointment because she has to take the children to the doctor.
In real life
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