economic miracle
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economic miracle
Refers to the rapid economic reconstruction and strong growth in West Germany and Austria after the Second World War in the 1950s and 1960s.
Das deutsche Wirtschaftswunder führte zu einem deutlichen Anstieg des Lebensstandards.
The German economic miracle led to a significant rise in the standard of living.
The word is composed of 'Wirtschaft' (economy) and 'Wunder' (miracle). So it literally describes an 'economic miracle', which explains the meaning of an unexpectedly rapid upswing.
Die schnelle Erholung der Wirtschaft nach dem Krieg war für viele ein echtes Wirtschaftswunder.
The rapid recovery of the economy after the war was a real economic miracle for many people.
In its main meaning, 'Wirtschaftswunder' (economic miracle) is a fixed historical term. It refers specifically to the period of reconstruction in West Germany and Austria in the 1950s and 1960s.
Die Generation meiner Großeltern erzählt oft von der Zeit des deutschen Wirtschaftswunders.
My grandparents' generation often talks about the time of the German economic miracle.
When the word is used in connection with other countries or periods, the figurative meaning is intended. Signal words are often country names or adjectives such as 'modern' or 'new'.
Experten diskutieren, ob China ein modernes Wirtschaftswunder erlebt.
Experts are discussing whether China is experiencing a modern economic miracle.
upswing / upturn
'der Aufschwung' and 'das Wirtschaftswunder' both describe a strong positive development in the economy. 'Aufschwung' is more general and can refer to any phase in which the economy is growing. 'Wirtschaftswunder' is much more specific and stronger: it means an especially rapid and surprising economic success. People often associate it with the period after the Second World War in West Germany and Austria. In other situations, 'Wirtschaftswunder' is used more when the upturn seems very exceptional.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir über das Wirtschaftswunder der fünfziger Jahre.
In history class, we are talking about the economic miracle of the fifties.
Der Aufschwung der Industrie zeigt sich an den vielen neuen Arbeitsplätzen.
The upturn in industry can be seen in the many new jobs.