wechseln
change · exchange
Etwas durch etwas anderes ersetzen oder von einem Zustand in einen anderen übergehen.
Definition & meaning
The verb wechseln is a versatile German word with several primary meanings:
- To change or switch: Moving from one state, position, or object to another. For example, changing clothes or switching lanes in a car.
- To exchange: Giving one thing in return for another. This is commonly used in financial contexts, such as exchanging currency (e.g., changing Euros into Dollars) or getting smaller denominations of money (e.g., getting change for a large bill).
- To alternate: Taking turns or shifting back and forth between two things.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a weak (regular) verb. Its principal parts are: wechseln (present), wechselte (past), gewechselt (past participle). It is used with the auxiliary verb haben.
- Word origin: It derives from the Middle High German wehseln, which comes from the Old High German wehsal. It is etymologically related to the idea of "giving in return" or "bartering."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- austauschen (to exchange/swap)
- ändern (to change/alter)
- umschalten (to switch, e.g., channels)
- ersetzen (to replace)
- tauschen (to trade)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Sie müssen jetzt die Reifen wechseln.verb
You have to change the tires now.
Er wechselt das Geld in Euro.verb
He exchanges the money for euros.
Sie wechseln den Reifen an ihrem Auto.verb
They change the tire on their car.
Wir müssen die Reifen am Auto wechseln.verb
We need to change the tires on the car.
Er muss die Batterie wechseln.verb
He needs to change the battery.
Wir wechseln gerade den Kurs.verb
We are changing the course right now.
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