Kreislauf
/ˈkʁaɪ̯sˌlaʊ̯f/
The English word 'circulation' (referring to the movement of blood) is translated into German as Kreislauf.
Kreislauf is the standard term for the movement of blood in the vascular system. In a medical context, it is often used in the compound Kreislaufprobleme to describe issues with blood flow or blood pressure stability. While Kreislauf is common, other specific terms exist: Durchblutung is used specifically for blood circulation within the body and Zirkulation is a formal term used in academic or scientific discussions.
Meaning: movement of the blood in the blood-vascular system (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kreislauf is a compound noun consisting of Kreis (circle) and Lauf (run, course or flow).
Which one should you use?
While Kreislauf refers to biological circulation, the word Umlauf is used to describe the circulation of objects or money. For strictly scientific or academic contexts, one might use the formal term Zirkulation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kreislauf is a masculine noun that takes the definite article der. The plural form is Kreisläufe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkʁaɪ̯sˌlaʊ̯f/
Did you know?
- If a German person says they have 'Kreislaufprobleme', they might not mean a serious medical condition, but simply that they feel slightly lightheaded or dizzy from the heat or standing too long.
- The word Kreislauf is used in economics to describe the Wirtschaftskreislauf, which is the circular flow of income and expenditure in an economy.
- Beyond biology, Kreislauf describes any recurring cycle, such as the Wasserkreislauf for the water cycle or the Kreislauf der Natur for the cycle of nature.
Examples in context
- Bewegung in Maßen stimuliert den Kreislauf.Moderate exercise stimulates the circulation of blood.This sentence shows how moderate exercise can stimulate the Kreislauf.Tatoeba #783385 by Hans_Adler, translation #278710 by CK
- Die Zirkulation von Informationen ist in unserem Unternehmen sehr wichtig.The circulation of information is very important in our company.
- Ich habe Probleme mit meiner Durchblutung.I have problems with my circulation.
- Das Geld ist ständig in Umlauf.The money is constantly in circulation.
- Der Kreislauf ist bei ihm sehr schwach.His circulation is very weak.
- Sport regt den Kreislauf an.Sports stimulate the circulation.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing his health after a workout.
- MaximilianMir ist etwas schwindelig, mein Kreislauf ist nicht gut.I feel a bit dizzy, my circulation is not good.
- LauraSetz dich bitte hin, Maximilian.Please sit down, Maximilian.
- MaximilianIch brauche nur einen Moment Ruhe.I just need a moment of rest.
- LauraTrink erst einmal etwas Wasser.Drink some water first.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Kreislauf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
