German Conversation · Level 87
59 words
German word
schwanken
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʃvaŋkən/
Meaning
- verbfluctuate
Example
Die Preise schwanken täglich.
Prices fluctuate daily.
More examples
In der Diskussion schwankt er zwischen Zustimmung und Ablehnung.
In the discussion, he wavers between agreement and opposition.
Core concept
A balance that repeatedly shifts between two positions, levels, or opinions without settling.
Common phrases
zwischen zwei Optionen schwanken
waver between two options
der Kurs schwankt
the exchange rate fluctuates
Similar words
variieren: To change according to the situation or conditions.
pendeln: To move repeatedly between two points or levels.
fluktuieren: To change unpredictably through frequent short-term increases and decreases.
wanken: To become unsteady and sway because the foundation or support is weak.
Definition in German
körperlich hin und her gehen oder abstrakt in Werten und Meinungen wechselhaft sein
Word origin
The verb developed from Middle High German swanken, which referred to swaying or wavering, and later acquired abstract senses for variable figures and indecision.
Usage tips
- For indecision, schwanken often appears with zwischen, as in zwischen zwei Möglichkeiten schwanken, meaning to waver between two options.
Other meanings
- swayverb
- hesitateverb
Opposites
- gleichbleibenremain unchangedverb
- feststehenbe settledverb
Related words
- die Schwankungfluctuationnoun
- schwankhaftunstableadjective