noun

die Revolution, -en

revolution

Eine große und schnelle Veränderung in einem Land oder in der Gesellschaft, oft mit Protest oder Kampf.

Definition & meaning

Revolution means a fundamental and usually rapid change in the political, social, or economic order.

Political or social upheaval:
A revolution is the forceful overthrow of an established government or system, often involving mass protests, violence, or civil conflict.
- Die Revolution stürzte die alte Regierung. — “The revolution overthrew the old government.”
Fundamental change:
The word can also describe a radical transformation in a field such as technology, science, or culture.
- Das Internet war eine Revolution in der Kommunikation. — “The internet was a revolution in communication.”
Rotation or cyclical movement:
In technical, astronomical, or historical contexts, Revolution can mean one complete turn or orbit around a point or body.
- Der Motor macht 3.000 Revolutionen pro Minute. — “The engine makes 3,000 revolutions per minute.”

Grammar & Word origin

Gender: feminine
Article: die Revolution
Plural: die Revolutionen
Pronunciation: approximately “reh-voh-loo-TSYOHN”

The word is borrowed from French révolution, which comes from Latin revolutio, meaning “a turning back” or “a revolution.” It is related to the Latin verb revolvere, “to turn back” or “to roll around.” In modern German, it is not normally analyzed as a combination of productive German word parts.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

der Umsturz — an overthrow, especially of a government or political system; it emphasizes the collapse of the existing order.
der Aufstand — an uprising or revolt; it can be smaller or less successful than a Revolution.
der Aufruhr — unrest or tumult; it emphasizes disorder and public disturbance rather than lasting systemic change.
der Wandel — change or transformation; it is more neutral and does not necessarily imply violence or a sudden break.
die Umwälzung — a sweeping, radical transformation; it can be political, social, economic, or technological.

Antonyms

There is no single exact antonym. Depending on the context, possible opposites include:

die Stabilität — stability; the condition of remaining largely unchanged.
die Ordnung — order; an organized and functioning system, often contrasted with revolutionary disorder.
der Stillstand — stagnation or standstill; it emphasizes the absence of change.
die Restauration — restoration; the return to a previous political or social order after a revolution.