der  Abschwung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈapˌʃvʊŋ/

📉 What does „der Abschwung“ mean?

The German noun der Abschwung describes a period of decline or decrease, particularly in an economic context. It refers to a phase where economic activity slows down, production might decrease, unemployment potentially rises, and the general economic situation deteriorates. It translates most commonly to downturn or slump.

In general, it means:

• Economic downturn: This is the most frequent meaning. A negative development in the economy, often seen as a precursor to or part of a recession (die Rezession).
• General decline/downswing: Less commonly, it can also be used for a decline in other areas (e.g., popularity, performance).

🚨 Attention: Although often used in connection with recession (die Rezession), an Abschwung isn't necessarily a full recession but rather the phase of negative growth that can lead to one.

🧐 Grammar of „Abschwung“ in Detail

The word „Abschwung“ is a masculine noun. The correct article is der.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Die Wirtschaft befindet sich in einem deutlichen Abschwung.
   (The economy is in a significant downturn.)
2. Experten warnen vor einem weltweiten Abschwung.
   (Experts warn of a global downturn.)
3. Nach dem Boom folgte leider ein spürbarer Abschwung.
   (Unfortunately, a noticeable slump followed the boom.)
4. Die Regierung versucht, den Abschwung abzufedern.
   (The government is trying to cushion the downturn.)
5. Die Folgen des Abschwungs sind in vielen Branchen sichtbar.
   (The consequences of the slump are visible in many sectors.)

🗣️ How to use „Abschwung“

The term Abschwung is predominantly used in the field of economics and finance to describe a phase of economic slowdown. It's a standard term in reporting on economic developments.

• Context: Economic news, analyses, political discussions about economic stimulus packages.
• Distinction from similar words:
  • Rückgang (decline, decrease): A more general term for a reduction, can refer to many things (e.g., Bevölkerungsrückgang - population decline, Umsatzrückgang - sales decrease). Abschwung is more specific to a general (often economic) downward trend.
  • Rezession (recession): A defined period of significant economic decline (often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth). An Abschwung is the phase that can lead to or be part of a recession.
  • Flaute (lull, slack period): More of a phase of stagnation or low activity, not necessarily a sharp decline like an Abschwung.
• Figurative use: Less commonly, it can describe a general decline or deterioration in other areas (e.g., "der Abschwung seiner Popularität" - the downturn in his popularity).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article "der": Think of momentum or swing (der Schwung) - which is masculine in German. When this momentum goes 'down' (ab-), it's der Ab-schwung.

Meaning: Imagine a swing (Schwung) moving downwards (abwärts) after reaching its high point. That's the Abschwung – the downward movement or downturn.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: Words like Rückgang are more general and not always interchangeable. Abschwung usually refers specifically to the general economic trend.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Banker seinen Kollegen: "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Abschwung und einer Rezession?" (A banker asks his colleague: "What's the difference between a downturn and a recession?")

Antwortet der Kollege: "Beim Abschwung verliert dein Nachbar seinen Job. Bei einer Rezession verlierst du deinen Job." (The colleague replies: "In a downturn, your neighbor loses their job. In a recession, you lose your job.")

Fragt der erste wieder: "Und was ist eine Depression?" (The first one asks again: "And what's a depression?")

"Eine Depression ist, wenn die Bank ihren Job verliert!" 😉 ("A depression is when the bank loses its job!") 😉

📜 Poem about the Abschwung

Die Kurven fallen, rot die Zahl, (The curves fall, the numbers red,)
Der Markt erlebt ein Jammertal. (The market sees a vale of dread.)
Der Schwung geht ab, das Wachstum klein, (Momentum's gone, the growth is small,)
So zieht der Abschwung bei uns ein. (Thus the downturn enters for us all.)
Die Stimmung trüb, die Sorgen schwer, (The mood is glum, the worries weigh,)
Man hofft auf Wende, bald und sehr. (One hopes for change, soon and today.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin das Gegenteil vom Boom,
(I am the opposite of the boom,)
Bring' oft wirtschaftlich Ungemach und Kumm'.
(Often bring economic hardship and gloom.)
Die Zahlen sinken, wenn ich komm',
(The numbers sink when I arrive,)
Bin Teil des Zyklus, nicht nur Dumm'.
(Am part of the cycle, not just dumb strive.)

Was bin ich? / What am I? ... Der Abschwung (The downturn/slump)

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition:

The word "Abschwung" is a compound noun formed from:

• ab- (prefix, meaning 'down', 'away from' here)
• Schwung (noun, meaning 'momentum', 'swing', 'zest', 'verve')

Together, they create the meaning of a 'movement downwards' or a 'loss of momentum'.

Context: The term is strongly linked to the business cycle (Konjunkturzyklus), which ideally consists of the phases: Aufschwung (expansion/recovery), Boom (peak/high prosperity), Abschwung (contraction/recession), and Tief or Depression (trough/depression).