die Weichenstellung
Translation
setting of points, setting the course, policy decision, watershed moment
Examples
Die Weichenstellung am Bahnhof war defekt.
The setting of the points at the station was defective.
Diese Entscheidung war eine wichtige Weichenstellung.
This decision was an important setting of the course.
Grammar Patterns
eine Weichenstellung ((für et4)) setting the course for sth. eine wichtige Weichenstellung für die Zukunft
Similar Words
Kursbestimmung (course determination), Richtungsentscheidung (directional decision)
Etymology
From 'Weiche' (railway switch/points) + 'Stellung' (position, setting). Literally 'setting of the points'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a train track switch ('Weiche') that determines the train's path. 'Weichenstellung' is setting that switch, which metaphorically sets the course for the future.