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.

Free starter pack
Building your German vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore German by topic