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Schlenker

detour, swing, swerve

noun SHLEN-ker Rare

Also means

sudden curve in a route

Usage Note

Schlenker is a short detour or swing taken in a route — einen Schlenker über den Markt machen (to swing past the market). It implies a small deviation that is not inconvenient. Also used for a swerve while driving.

Examples

"Auf dem Nachhauseweg machten wir einen kleinen Schlenker durch die Altstadt."

Natural Translation

On the way home we made a small detour through the old town.

Literal Translation

On the way-home made we a small swing through the old-town.

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