Wirbel
/ˈvɪʁbl̩/masculine
The English word vortex is translated into German as Wirbel.
Wirbel is used broadly for any circular motion of fluid or air, such as a vortex in a liquid or a swirl of air.
Meaning: whirlpool (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Wirbel is also Wirbel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvɪʁbl̩/
When do people say it?
The word Wirbel is often used as a component in the compound noun Wirbelsturm to mean a whirlwind or cyclone.
Did you know?
- The word Wirbel is the same root used to describe the 'spine' in anatomy, as in Wirbelsäule.
- In German, you can use Wirbel to describe a 'commotion' or a 'fuss' in a social setting, not just a physical vortex.
- While Wirbelsturm refers to a cyclone, calling a person a Wirbelwind implies they are a high-energy, energetic 'whirlwind' of a person.
Examples in context
- Der Wirbel in der Mitte des Sturms ist besonders starkThe vortex in the center of the storm is particularly strong
- Der Strudel im Fluss zog den Schwimmer unterThe vortex in the river pulled the swimmer under
- In der Strömung bildeten sich gefährliche StromwirbelDangerous vortices formed within the current
- Lass uns einen Tauchgang machen und den Wasserwirbel erkundenLet's go for a dive and explore the water vortex
- Die Kinder waren wie Wirbelwinde, als sie den Spielplatz betratenThe children were like whirlwinds when they entered the playground
- Das Blatt wurde vom Strudelwind davongetragenThe leaf was carried away by the swirling wind
- Der Wirbel im Wasser ist sehr groß.The whirlpool in the water is very large.
- Ein kleiner Wirbel dreht sich im Becken.A small vortex is spinning in the basin.
- Vorsicht vor dem gefährlichen Wirbel im Fluss!Watch out for the dangerous whirlpool in the river!
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are watching a river from a bridge.
- FelixSiehst du diesen starken Wirbel dort?Do you see that strong whirlpool over there?
- SarahJa, Felix, der sieht wirklich gefährlich aus.Yes, Felix, that looks really dangerous.
- FelixIch glaube, der Wirbel wird immer größer.I think the vortex is getting bigger and bigger.
- SarahWir sollten lieber Abstand halten.We should probably keep our distance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vortex” translations and entries Wirbel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
