die Verschiebung
postponement
The rescheduling of an appointment, event, or occurrence to a later time.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Streiks kam es zu einer Verschiebung unseres Fluges.
Because of the strike, there was a postponement of our flight.
die Verschiebung
postponement / shift
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Meanings
die Verschiebung
shift / displacement
The movement or relocation of an object from its original position to another one. This can also be used in a geological or physical sense.
EXAMPLE
Die tektonische Verschiebung der Erdplatten kann Erdbeben auslösen.
The tectonic shift of the Earth's plates can trigger earthquakes.
die Verschiebung
shift
A change or shift in a figurative sense, for example in opinions, power relations, or priorities.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Wahl gab es eine deutliche Verschiebung der politischen Kräfte im Parlament.
After the election, there was a clear shift in the political forces in parliament.
Usage tips
Word structure
The noun 'Verschiebung' (postponement/shift) is derived from the verb 'verschieben' (to move/postpone). This consists of the prefix 'ver-' and the verb 'schieben' (to push, to move). A 'Verschiebung' is therefore the result of the action of 'pushing' something to another place or to another time.
EXAMPLE
Die Verschiebung des Schranks war sehr anstrengend.
Moving the cabinet was very exhausting.
Sentence structure with prepositions
'Verschiebung' (postponement/shift) is often used with the preposition 'von' (of/from) or a genitive to say what is being moved or postponed. With 'auf' (to/until) or 'um' (by), the new time or the duration of the postponement is indicated.
EXAMPLE
Die Verschiebung des Treffens auf nächste Woche passt mir gut.
The postponement of the meeting until next week works well for me.
Typical collocations
In connection with appointments and dates, 'Verschiebung' (postponement) is frequently used for events such as a flight, a meeting, an event, or a deadline.
EXAMPLE
Wir bitten um Verständnis für die kurzfristige Verschiebung der Veranstaltung.
We ask for your understanding regarding the short-notice postponement of the event.
Context clue
In scientific or technical contexts such as geology, physics, or medicine, 'Verschiebung' (shift/displacement) refers to a physical change in position.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt diagnostizierte eine leichte Verschiebung eines Wirbels.
The doctor diagnosed a slight displacement of a vertebra.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, the word is often combined with abstract concepts, for example 'Verschiebung der Machtverhältnisse' (shift in the balance of power), 'Verschiebung der Prioritäten' (shift in priorities), or 'Verschiebung des Fokus' (shift in focus).
EXAMPLE
In den letzten Jahren fand eine Verschiebung der öffentlichen Meinung statt.
In recent years, a shift in public opinion took place.
Compare with
Verschiebung vs Bewegung
movement
Bewegung and Verschiebung can both refer to a change in an object's position. Bewegung describes the process in general, while Verschiebung emphasizes the relocation from an original position to another. Use Bewegung for the process, and Verschiebung when the new position or the measurable change is important.
Verschiebung
Die Verschiebung des Aufzugs betrug am Ende genau zwei Meter.
In the end, the elevator's displacement was exactly two meters.
Bewegung
Die Bewegung des Aufzugs nach oben dauerte nur eine Minute.
The elevator's upward movement lasted only one minute.
In real life
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