wickeln

Wickeln is a German verb with several related meanings that center on wrapping, winding, or surrounding something. The common threads are to enclose, coil, or bind material by winding it around an object, person, or area.

In infant care, wickeln can refer to wrapping a baby in a cloth or blanket. A related but more frequent term for diaper care is windeln wechseln, meaning to change a diaper. For example, one may say: “Ich wickele das Baby in eine Decke,” meaning I wrap the baby in a blanket. The noun Wickel may also appear in medical contexts to describe a wrap or compress applied to the body.

In medicine and nursing, Wickel (wraps or poultices) are used therapeutically. A Wickel can be warm or cold and is applied to a limb or other area to relieve symptoms or support treatment. Phrases such as “einen Wickel anlegen” (to apply a wrap) and “heiße Wickel” or “kalte Wickel” (hot or cold wraps) are common.

In electrical and technical contexts, wickeln means to wind a coil. Winding a wire around a core forms components such as inductors and transformers. The resulting structure is called eine Wicklung; a transformer, for example, contains many Wicklungen.

Other uses include wrapping fabrics, packages, or objects for protection or presentation. The term is closely related to words for wrapping and binding in various crafts and trades.

See also: wind, winding, winding techniques, swaddling, diapering.