wechseln
Ich möchte Geld wechseln.
I would like to change money.
to change or exchange something (e.g., money, clothes, tires)
Kannst du das 50-Euro-Schein wechseln?
Can you change this 50-euro bill?
Er wechselt die Reifen seines Autos.
He changes the tires of his car.
Commonly used with direct objects like 'Geld' (money), 'Kleidung' (clothes), 'Reifen' (tires), or 'Plätze' (seats).
to switch or change (e.g., jobs, sides, opinions)
Sie wechselt den Job.
She changes jobs.
Er wechselte die Seite im Streit.
He switched sides in the argument.
Often used with 'den Job', 'die Meinung', 'die Seite', or 'die Richtung'.
to alternate or take turns (e.g., in a game or shift work)
Wir wechseln uns beim Fahren ab.
We take turns driving.
Reflexive form 'sich abwechseln' is common for this meaning.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'wechseln' vs. 'ändern'
'wechseln' implies replacing one thing with another (e.g., 'Ich wechsle die Batterie' = 'I change the battery'), while 'ändern' implies modifying or altering something (e.g., 'Ich ändere meine Meinung' = 'I change my mind'). Use 'wechseln' for physical replacements or exchanges.
Gold Rule
When to use 'wechseln'
Use 'wechseln' when you are replacing one item with another of the same type (e.g., clothes, tires, money) or switching between options (e.g., jobs, sides). It is not used for abstract changes like opinions or plans—use 'ändern' instead.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'wehslen', from Old High German 'wehsal' (change, exchange), related to Old English 'wrixlan' (to exchange) and Old Norse 'vixla'. The Proto-Germanic root is '*hwekslaną', derived from '*hweks-' (to move, shake).
Usage Notes
The verb 'wechseln' is transitive when meaning 'to change' (e.g., 'Ich wechsle das Öl' = 'I change the oil'), but in some contexts, it can be intransitive (e.g., 'Das Wetter wechselt oft' = 'The weather often changes'). The reflexive form 'sich wechseln' is used for 'to change one's clothes' or 'to take turns'.