die Welle
wave
A mass of water rising and moving along the surface of a body of water such as the sea or a lake.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder sprangen lachend in die Wellen.
The children jumped laughing into the waves.
die Welle
wave
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Welle
wave
A sudden, widespread occurrence of a phenomenon or feeling that spreads quickly.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Skandal gab es eine Welle der Empörung in der Bevölkerung.
After the scandal, there was a wave of outrage among the population.
die Welle
wave
In physics, the propagation of an oscillation through space, for example with sound, light, or radio signals.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Radiosender sendet auf einer anderen Welle.
This radio station broadcasts on a different wave.
die Welle
wave
A hairstyle in which the hair is arranged in curved lines.
EXAMPLE
Für die Party ließ sie sich beim Friseur eine Wasserwelle machen.
For the party, she had the hairdresser give her finger waves.
die Welle
shaft
A machine component in the form of a rod that serves to transmit rotational motion; an axle.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker musste die defekte Welle im Getriebe austauschen.
The mechanic had to replace the defective shaft in the transmission.
Usage tips
Figurative meaning
The basic meaning of the water wave is often used figuratively. A 'Welle' (wave) then describes a phenomenon that spreads quickly, like a wave in water. This helps you understand the different meanings.
EXAMPLE
Eine Grippewelle breitete sich im ganzen Land aus.
A wave of flu spread throughout the whole country.
Typical adjectives
When referring to water, 'Welle' (wave) is often combined with adjectives that describe its size or strength. Common phrases are 'hohe Wellen' (high waves), 'sanfte Wellen' (gentle waves), or 'riesige Wellen' (huge waves).
EXAMPLE
Trotz der hohen Wellen gingen die Surfer ins Wasser.
Despite the high waves, the surfers went into the water.
Fixed structure
In the figurative meaning, 'Welle' (wave) often follows the structure 'eine Welle der/des + [abstract noun]' (a wave of + [abstract noun]). This creates fixed combinations such as 'eine Welle der Begeisterung' (a wave of enthusiasm), 'eine Welle der Gewalt' (a wave of violence), or 'eine Welle der Hilfsbereitschaft' (a wave of helpfulness).
EXAMPLE
Der Sieg der Mannschaft löste eine Welle der Begeisterung aus.
The team's victory triggered a wave of enthusiasm.
Physics context clue
You can recognize this meaning from the technical or scientific context. Signal words here are 'Radio' (radio), 'Schall' (sound), 'Licht' (light), 'Frequenz' (frequency), or verbs like 'senden' (to broadcast/transmit) and 'empfangen' (to receive).
EXAMPLE
Schall breitet sich in Wellen aus.
Sound spreads in waves.
Technical context clue
This very specific meaning occurs only in technical contexts. You can recognize it from words like 'Motor' (engine), 'Getriebe' (transmission), 'Maschine' (machine), 'Achse' (axle), or 'Mechaniker' (mechanic).
EXAMPLE
Die Welle im Motor war gebrochen und musste ersetzt werden.
The shaft in the engine was broken and had to be replaced.
Compare with
Welle vs Achse
axis / axle
A Welle and an Achse can both be technical rod-like components. Welle is used especially when the component transmits rotational motion, whereas Achse is used especially when it carries or connects wheels. For a component, its main function therefore determines which term is more appropriate.
Welle
Die Welle überträgt die Drehbewegung vom Motor auf das Getriebe.
The shaft transmits the rotational motion from the engine to the gearbox.
Achse
Die Achse verbindet die beiden Räder und trägt das Gewicht des Wagens.
The axle connects the two wheels and supports the weight of the vehicle.
In real life
Loading video examples...