German word

Orientierung

Pronunciation

IPA/oʁiɛnˈtiːʁʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine noundirection

Example

Das Unternehmen änderte seine Orientierung.

The company changed its direction.

Illustration for Orientierung (direction)

More examples

Viele Schülerinnen und Schüler suchen nach Berufsorientierung.

Many students are looking for career guidance.

Core concept

A map's guiding line that turns broad goals into a workable course for decisions.

Common phrases

  • die Orientierung verlieren

    lose one's bearings

  • Berufsorientierung

    career guidance

  • persönliche Orientierung

    personal direction

Similar words

Richtung: The way forward or course taken toward a destination.
Ausrichtung: A deliberate focus of policy or activity on a specific direction.

Definition in German

Orientierung (f.) Die grundsätzliche Richtung oder Strategie, die Handlungen und Entscheidungen leitet.

Word origin

The noun was formed from the borrowed verb orientieren by adding the German noun-forming suffix -ung, with roots in Latin oriens through French.

Usage tips

  • The pattern sich an etwas orientieren takes an plus the dative when stating what guides a decision or action.

Other meanings

  • orientationnoun

Opposites

  • Ziellosigkeitlack of directionnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word