01
der Zyklus
cycle
A sequence of events or phases that repeats regularly in the same order.
example
Der Zyklus der Jahreszeiten beeinflusst die gesamte Natur.
The cycle of the seasons influences all of nature.
der Zyklus
cycle
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Zyklus' (cycle) comes from Greek and means 'circle'. This origin helps you understand the core idea of repetition and circulation in all its meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte scheint sich in einem ständigen Zyklus zu wiederholen.
History seems to repeat itself in a constant cycle.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context: In nature or economics, it refers to a general cycle (m01). In a medical context involving women, it refers to the menstrual cycle (m02). In art and literature, it denotes a thematic series (m03).
EXAMPLE
Der Wasserkreislauf ist ein natürlicher Zyklus.
The water cycle is a natural cycle.
Typical collocations
In its general meaning, 'Zyklus' (cycle) is often connected with nature or economics: 'der Zyklus des Lebens' (the cycle of life), 'der Konjunkturzyklus' (the business cycle), or 'der landwirtschaftliche Zyklus' (the agricultural cycle).
EXAMPLE
Die Wirtschaft durchläuft Zyklen von Wachstum und Rezession.
The economy goes through cycles of growth and recession.
Use in cultural contexts
When a series of works of art is meant, the preposition 'von' (of) is often used to describe the content, e.g. 'ein Zyklus von Gedichten' (a cycle of poems) or 'ein Zyklus von Gemälden' (a cycle of paintings).
EXAMPLE
Die Ausstellung zeigt einen Zyklus von Bildern zum Thema „Meer“.
The exhibition shows a cycle of pictures on the theme of 'the sea'.
Compare with
Zyklus vs Reihe
row / series
'die Reihe' and 'der Zyklus' can both mean a sequence of things or events. 'Reihe' is more general: the things follow one after another or belong together as a series, but they do not have to repeat. 'Zyklus' is used when phases regularly come back, for example in nature or in a process. In art and literature, 'Zyklus' can also mean a group of works that belong together. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like 'series'. As a guide: a 'Reihe' simply continues; a 'Zyklus' returns to the beginning.
Zyklus
Der Zyklus der Jahreszeiten beginnt jedes Jahr wieder von vorn.
The cycle of the seasons starts over again every year.
Reihe
Im Sommer sehe ich gern eine Reihe von alten Filmen im Freiluftkino.
In the summer, I like watching a series of old films at the open-air cinema.
In real life
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