01
der Wirbel
vertebra
One of the bones that make up the spine of humans and vertebrates.
example
Nach dem Sturz hatte sie Schmerzen im dritten Lendenwirbel.
After the fall, she had pain in her third lumbar vertebra.
der Wirbel
vertebra / swirl
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
All meanings of 'Wirbel' are connected to the verb 'wirbeln' (to whirl), which means 'sich schnell drehen' (to spin quickly). A 'Wirbel' is either a rotating movement, something that rotates, or the excitement that arises from it.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind ließ die trockenen Blätter durch die Luft wirbeln.
The wind made the dry leaves whirl through the air.
Context clues
The context makes the meaning of 'Wirbel' clear. In a medical context, it is a bone; in nature, a rotating movement; in the media, excitement; and in music, a part of an instrument or a drumbeat.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt erklärte mir die Funktion der Halswirbel.
The doctor explained the function of the cervical vertebrae to me.
Typical collocations
In the anatomical sense, 'Wirbel' is often used in compound words to specify the part of the spine. Typical examples are 'Halswirbel' (cervical vertebra), 'Brustwirbel' (thoracic vertebra), and 'Lendenwirbel' (lumbar vertebra).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen haben Probleme mit den Lendenwirbeln.
Many people have problems with their lumbar vertebrae.
Fixed expression
The meaning 'Aufregung' (excitement/fuss) is almost always used in the fixed expression 'Wirbel machen' (to cause a stir) or 'Wirbel um etwas machen' (to make a fuss about something). The verb here is always 'machen' (to make/do).
EXAMPLE
Warum machst du wegen so einer Kleinigkeit so einen Wirbel?
Why are you making such a fuss over such a small thing?
Context: music
In a musical context, a 'Wirbel' is a rapid sequence of beats on a drum. People often speak of a 'Trommelwirbel' (drumroll) to create suspense.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Verkündung des Gewinners gab es einen langen Trommelwirbel.
Before the winner was announced, there was a long drumroll.
Compare with
Wirbel vs Drama
drama
'das Drama' and 'der Wirbel' can both colloquially describe a situation where a lot of excitement arises around something. 'Drama' emphasizes the strong emotions, the argument, or an exaggerated reaction. 'Wirbel' is used more when something causes a lot of attention, hustle and bustle, or commotion, especially with news, people, or events. 'Wirbel' often sounds less tragic than 'Drama'. When people react emotionally, 'Drama' fits well. When many people are talking about it and suddenly a lot is happening, 'Wirbel' fits better.
Wirbel
Der neue Plan der Chefin machte im ganzen Büro viel Wirbel.
The boss's new plan caused quite a stir throughout the office.
Drama
Sie wollte nur fünf Minuten zu spät kommen, aber daraus wurde gleich ein Drama.
She was only going to be five minutes late, but it immediately turned into a whole drama.
In real life
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