turmoil / confusion
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turmoil
A state of great disorder, confusion, and chaotic events, especially in a political or social context. Used almost exclusively in the plural.
In den Wirren der Nachkriegszeit war es schwer, seine Familie wiederzufinden.
In the turmoil of the postwar period, it was difficult to find one's family again.
confusion
A state of mental confusion or disorientation in a person. This use in the singular is rare.
Nach dem Fieber litt er noch tagelang an einer seltsamen Wirre im Kopf.
After the fever, he suffered for days from a strange confusion in his head.
The noun 'Wirren' (turmoil) derives from the adjective 'wirr' (chaotic, disorderly, confused). This connection helps you understand the meaning of chaos and disorder.
Seine Gedanken waren nach dem langen Tag völlig wirr.
After the long day, his thoughts were completely confused.
In its main meaning of chaos and unrest, this word is almost always used in the plural, 'die Wirren' (the turmoil). The singular 'die Wirre' for this state is uncommon.
Die politischen Wirren führten zu einer Regierungskrise.
The political turmoil led to a government crisis.
The plural form 'die Wirren' (the turmoil) is very often used with the preposition 'in' and the dative plural: 'in den Wirren' (in the turmoil). It often describes major historical or political events such as a war or a revolution.
Er verlor in den Wirren des Krieges den Kontakt zu seiner Familie.
He lost contact with his family in the turmoil of the war.
The singular form 'die Wirre' (confusion) for mental confusion is very rare and has a literary or old-fashioned style. You will hardly encounter it in modern everyday language.
Nach dem Aufwachen spürte er eine seltsame Wirre im Kopf.
After waking up, he felt a strange confusion in his head.
confusion
„Die Verwirrung“ is used in everyday language for an unclear or chaotic state. „Die Wirre“ is used almost only in the plural as „die Wirren“ in this context and refers especially to chaotic political or social events. „Verwirrung“ is usually the better choice for general lack of clarity.
Nach den politischen Wirren wusste niemand, wie es im Land weitergehen würde.
After the political turmoil, no one knew what would happen next in the country.
Nach den widersprüchlichen Nachrichten herrschte in der Stadt große Verwirrung.
The contradictory news caused widespread confusion in the city.
