der  Kurswechsel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkuʁsˌvɛksl/

🧭 What does "der Kurswechsel" mean?

The German noun Kurswechsel (masculine, article: der) describes a change in direction or strategy. This can be meant literally, like a ship or airplane changing its route, or – more commonly – figuratively for a change in policy, opinion, economic direction, or personal life planning.

• Literal: A change in the direction of travel (e.g., in shipping or aviation).
• Figurative: A significant change from a previous line, strategy, policy, or stance (e.g., in politics, business, personal life).

There is only this one article, der, for the word Kurswechsel.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Kurswechsel

The word "Kurswechsel" is a masculine noun. It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Regierung kündigte einen plötzlichen Kurswechsel in der Energiepolitik an. (The government announced a sudden change of course in energy policy.)
2. Nach reiflicher Überlegung vollzog er einen persönlichen Kurswechsel und wechselte den Beruf. (After careful consideration, he made a personal change of course and changed his profession.)
3. Der Kapitän musste aufgrund des Sturms einen Kurswechsel vornehmen. (The captain had to make a change of course due to the storm.)
4. Viele Analysten erwarten einen Kurswechsel der Zentralbank. (Many analysts expect a change of course from the central bank.)

🔄 How to use "Kurswechsel"?

"Der Kurswechsel" is often used to describe a deliberate and usually significant change in a chosen direction. The context is frequently political, economic, or strategic.

• Politics: A common term to describe a new political line or the abandonment of an old strategy (e.g., ein Kurswechsel in der Außenpolitik - a change of course in foreign policy).
• Economy: Describes changes in corporate strategy, financial policy, or market orientation (e.g., der Konzern vollzieht einen Kurswechsel - the company is undergoing a change of course).
• Personal: Can also refer to a fundamental change in a person's life (e.g., ein beruflicher Kurswechsel - a professional change of course).
• Navigation: The literal meaning is less common in everyday life but is used in seafaring or aviation.

Compared to "Änderung" (change), "Kurswechsel" often implies a more fundamental or strategic reorientation. "Richtungsänderung" (change of direction) is more neutral, while "Wende" (turnaround, U-turn) often suggests a more radical reversal.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (der): Think of der Kurs (the course) and der Wechsel (the change). Both are masculine words that combine to form der Kurswechsel. Alternatively, picture a captain (der Mann - the man) changing the course.

For the meaning: Imagine a large ship (the "Kurs" - course) that suddenly turns its wheel and heads in a different direction – it wechselt (changes) its course. This image also works well for political or economic changes in direction.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Wechselkurs: This term refers to the exchange rate between currencies and has nothing to do with a change of direction. Don't mix them up!

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Steuermann den Kapitän: "Sollen wir einen Kurswechsel machen?"
Sagt der Kapitän: "Warum? Ist der alte Kurs kaputt?"

(First mate asks the captain: "Should we make a change of course (Kurswechsel)?"
Captain replies: "Why? Is the old course broken?")

(This plays on the word "Kurs" also potentially sounding like something that could be 'broken', though nonsensical in context).

📜 Poem about the Word

Der Wind dreht rau, die See wird wild,
ein alter Plan nicht länger stillt
den Drang nach vorn, nach neuem Licht.
Der Kurswechsel bricht die alte Pflicht.

Man zögert kurz, dann fasst man Mut,
was gestern galt, ist heut' nicht gut.
Ein neuer Weg, ein klares Ziel,
bringt Wandel und ein neues Spiel.

(The wind turns rough, the sea grows wild,
an old plan no longer satisfies
the urge forward, towards new light.
The change of course breaks the old plight.

One hesitates briefly, then takes heart,
what held yesterday, today falls apart.
A new path, a clear aim revealed,
brings change and a new playing field.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Geld, das man tauscht am Schalter,
doch ändere die Richtung, mal sanft, mal mit Krawall da.
Politiker vollziehen mich, Kapitäne auf See,
manchmal tut's weh, manchmal ist's 'ne gute Idee.

Was bin ich?

(I'm not money exchanged at the counter,
but I change the direction, sometimes gently, sometimes with a row.
Politicians enact me, captains at sea,
sometimes it hurts, sometimes it's a good idea for thee.

What am I?)

Solution: Der Kurswechsel (The change of course/policy)

🧩 More Information

Word Formation

The word "Kurswechsel" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Kurs: The course, direction, path, policy line (e.g., ship's course, political course)
• Der Wechsel: The change, exchange, switch

Frequency

"Der Kurswechsel" is a frequently used word in news reports, political debates, and economic analyses to describe significant shifts in strategies or orientations.