die Drehung, -en

Definition & meaning

Drehung means a turning or rotation: a movement in which something turns around an axis or changes its direction.

Depending on context, it can refer to:

• the act or movement of turning, such as a person turning around;
• the rotation of an object around its own or another axis;
• a twist or turn in the position or shape of something.

Grammar & Word origin

Drehung is a feminine noun: die Drehung. Its plural is die Drehungen.

It is formed from the verb drehen ↗ (“to turn” or “to rotate”) and the noun-forming suffix -ung, which often describes an action or its result.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Rotation ↗ — often used in technical or scientific contexts, especially for movement around an axis.
• Umdrehung ↗ — commonly means one complete turn or revolution; more specific than Drehung.
• Wendung ↗ — emphasizes a change of direction or course rather than rotation around an axis.
• Verdrehung ↗ — usually means a twisting or distortion, and can carry a negative sense.

Antonyms and contrasts:

• Stillstand ↗ — means a complete stop, rather than turning or rotating.
• Gegenrotation ↗ — means rotation in the opposite direction; it is a contrasting type of rotation, not a general antonym.

Common phrases & collocations

• eine Drehung machen ↗ — to make a turn or rotation.
• eine Drehung um die eigene Achse ↗ — a rotation around one’s own axis.
• eine Drehung nach links / rechts ↗ ↗ — a turn to the left / right.