German word

Wende

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɛndə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounturning point

Example

Der Abschluss war eine wichtige Wende in seinem Leben.

The graduation was an important turning point in his life.

Illustration for Wende (turning point)

More examples

Die politische Wende löste intensive Debatten aus.

The political turning point sparked intense debates.

Core concept

A clear dividing moment separates a before from an after, with the later path moving in a new direction.

Common phrases

  • eine politische Wende

    a political turning point

  • eine dramatische Wende

    a dramatic turn

  • die persönliche Wende

    the personal turning point

Similar words

Veränderung: A change affecting the state or circumstances of something.
Wandel: A gradual change in the overall character or appearance of something.
Wendung: A change of direction in events or in the development of a story.
Kehrtwende: A sudden change to the opposite course of action or policy.

Definition in German

ein Zeitpunkt oder Ereignis, das den bisherigen Verlauf deutlich verändert und einen neuen Abschnitt beginnen lässt

Word origin

German Wende developed as a noun from wenden, an inherited Germanic verb for turning or changing direction.

Usage tips

  • Wende usually suggests a major change in course, whereas Änderung can describe a smaller or more ordinary change.

Other meanings

  • changenoun
  • change of directionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Wendungturnnoun
  • wendigagileadjective
  • Wendigkeitagilitynoun

Word lists with this word