kierrichting

Kierrichting is a Dutch term that denotes the direction in which something turns, rotates or flows. It is commonly used in technical, traffic and industrial contexts to specify whether motion is clockwise, counterclockwise, or follows a designated path of circulation.

In mechanics and engineering, kierrichting describes the sense of rotation for shafts, gears, fans and screws; correct specification prevents assembly errors and ensures compatible mating parts. In electrical and fluid systems it can indicate the intended flow direction through pumps, valves or piping. In traffic management and urban planning the term is applied to the permitted movement of vehicles and pedestrians, for example the circulating direction on roundabouts or one-way routes.

Notation and communication often employ standardized markers such as arrows, the abbreviations CW (clockwise) and CCW (counterclockwise), or textual labels to reduce ambiguity. Safety procedures and maintenance manuals routinely reference kierrichting to avoid damage and injury when reversing motors or disassembling threaded components.

Etymologically the word combines keer (turn) and richting (direction). Related concepts include rotation, circulation and flow direction; while the precise word form may vary among Dutch dialects and related languages, the underlying concept is broadly used wherever controlled directional movement must be specified.