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noun

der Wendepunkt, -e

turning point

Ein Moment oder eine Situation, in der sich etwas stark verändert oder in eine neue Richtung entwickelt.

Definition & meaning

A Wendepunkt refers to a significant moment or event that marks a decisive change in a situation, course of action, or historical development. In English, it is most commonly translated as "turning point," "milestone," or "watershed moment."

There are two primary contexts for this word:

  1. General/Figurative: A point in time where a development changes direction, such as a major life event or a historical revolution.
  2. Mathematical: In geometry and calculus, it refers to an inflection point—a point on a curve at which the direction of curvature changes (e.g., from concave to convex).

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a masculine compound noun: der Wendepunkt. The plural form is die Wendepunkte.

It is composed of two parts:

  1. wenden: A verb meaning "to turn" or "to flip."
  2. Punkt: A noun meaning "point," "dot," or "spot."

The combination literally describes a "point of turning."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Meilenstein (milestone)
  • Umbruch (radical change/upheaval)
  • Einschnitt (incisive event/cut)
  • Scheideweg (crossroads)
  • Höhepunkt (climax/high point)
  • Krisenpunkt (crisis point)

Antonyms:

  • Stillstand (standstill/stagnation)
  • Kontinuität (continuity)
  • Dauerzustand (permanent state)
  • Stabilität (stability)

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Examples

Der Wendepunkt ihrer Karriere war sehr überraschend.noun

The turning point of her career was very surprising.

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