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
Wirbel machen
to cause a stir
To cause great excitement, bustle, or a lot of fuss about a person or thing.
EXAMPLE
Die Presse machte einen riesigen Wirbel um die Affäre des Politikers.
The press caused a huge stir over the politician's affair.
der Wirbel
swirl / vortex
A fast, circular movement of air, water, dust, or something similar.
EXAMPLE
Das abfließende Wasser bildete einen kleinen Wirbel über dem Abfluss.
The draining water formed a small swirl above the drain.
der Wirbel
tuning peg
A peg on a string instrument such as a violin or guitar, used to adjust the tension and therefore the pitch of a string.
EXAMPLE
An der alten Geige war ein Wirbel locker, weshalb sie sich ständig verstimmte.
On the old violin, one tuning peg was loose, which is why it kept going out of tune.
der Wirbel
drumroll
A rapid sequence of beats on a drum, often used to increase suspense.
EXAMPLE
Der Zirkusdirektor kündigte die nächste Nummer mit einem lauten Wirbel auf der Trommel an.
The circus director announced the next act with a loud drumroll.
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 Aufregung
excitement / commotion
Aufregung refers to the commotion or public interest following an event. Wirbel more strongly suggests the great deal of attention and bustle that arise or are created around a person or thing. When the exaggerated reaction surrounding something is the focus, Wirbel is the better fit.
Wirbel
Die Zeitung machte viel Wirbel um die überraschende Meldung.
The newspaper made a big fuss about the surprising announcement.
Aufregung
Die überraschende Meldung sorgte im Büro für große Aufregung.
The surprising announcement caused a great deal of commotion at the office.
In real life
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