German word

Reform

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁeˈfɔɐ̯m/

Meaning

  • feminine nounreform

Example

Wir brauchen Reformen im Bildungssystem.

We need reforms in the education system.

Illustration for Reform (reform)

More examples

Die Bevölkerung drängt auf eine Reform im Gesundheitssystem.

The population is pressing for a reform in the healthcare system.

Core concept

An existing system is reshaped through planned, usually gradual changes while its basic framework remains in place.

Common phrases

  • auf eine Reform drängen

    press for a reform

  • eine Reform unterstützen

    support a reform

  • an einer Reform arbeiten

    work on a reform

Similar words

Revolution: A major political event that rapidly transforms society or its institutions.
Veränderung: A change in the form or properties of an object or state.
Modernisierung: An update that brings old systems or equipment up to current standards.
Änderung: A small adjustment or correction to one part or detail.

Definition in German

Reform ist ein Begriff für geplante, meist schrittweise Änderungen an politischen oder wirtschaftlichen Strukturen.

Word origin

German Reform ultimately derives from Latin reformare, meaning 'to reshape,' formed from re- 'again' and formare 'to shape'.

Usage tips

  • Reform is feminine, so the forms are die Reform and die Reformen, with the plural ending in -en.

Opposites

Related words

  • Reformatorreformernoun
  • reformistischreformistadjective

Word lists with this word