hinwendung

Hinwendung is a German noun that denotes the act or process of turning toward something or someone. It conveys an orientation, approach, or address, and is formed from hin- (toward) and wenden (to turn). The term is used in a broad range of contexts to describe a shift in attention, disposition, or relation, for example in phrases like eine Hinwendung zum Gegenüber (a turning toward the other) or eine Hinwendung zum Thema (an orientation toward the topic).

In religious and spiritual contexts, Hinwendung refers to a deliberate turning toward the divine or toward religious commitments. It is often described as an inward movement of the heart or intention and can be associated with conversion, repentance, or renewed dedication. In Christian discourse, it emphasizes a directional change of life or heart toward God, complementing external practices with a conscious inward orientation.

In philosophy and psychology, Hinwendung is used to describe an attitude or stance of being attuned to something—an intentional orientation that shapes how a person relates to others, life, or values. It can refer to both internal dispositions (inner turning toward a value) and outward actions (turning toward a person or task).

In contemporary usage, Hinwendung may also appear in rhetorical or communicative contexts, indicating a speaker’s or writer’s directed attention toward an audience or a topic.

Related terms include Zuwendung (care, attention), Aufmerksamkeit (attention), and Orientierung (orientation). The concept is often contrasted with Umkehr (repentance or turning back) in theological discussions, highlighting different emphases in the process of turning toward what is considered meaningful or significant.