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
der Zyklus
cycle
The monthly hormonal and physical change in the female body that leads to menstruation.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin fragte sie nach der Regelmäßigkeit ihres Zyklus.
The doctor asked her about the regularity of her cycle.
der Zyklus
cycle / series
A series of artistic works, for example poems, songs, or paintings, that belong together in terms of content or theme.
EXAMPLE
Der Dichter veröffentlichte einen Zyklus von Gedichten über das Leben in der Großstadt.
The poet published a cycle of poems about life in the big city.
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 Serie
series
Eine Serie and a Zyklus can both refer to several related works of art. Serie emphasizes a sequence of similarly conceived works, while Zyklus emphasizes the unity of the entire series in terms of content or theme. Choose Serie for the ongoing sequence and Zyklus for the whole conceived as a unit.
Zyklus
Der Maler stellt einen Zyklus von Bildern über die vier Jahreszeiten aus.
The painter is exhibiting a cycle of paintings about the four seasons.
Serie
Die Künstlerin zeigt eine Serie von Bildern über das Leben in der Stadt.
The artist is showing a series of paintings about life in the city.
In real life
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