Zirkel literally translates to "compass" as in the geometric tool used for drawing circles. It's a less common word in everyday German, making it interesting and unique.
In the context of "Kreise" (Circles), the word Zirkel beautifully reinforces the central theme of circles, cycles, and interconnectedness. The lyrics state, "Der Zirkel malt jeden Tag auf das leere Blatt" (The compass draws every day on the empty sheet), creating a vivid image of continuous creation and the cyclical nature of life and relationships.
Kreise – German for "circles" – spins around the idea that life is a giant round-trip. Johannes Oerding paints everyday images of smoke rings drifting away, the moon trading places with the sun, and our planet twirling like a ballerina. All of these loops hint at one big message: beginnings and endings often meet at the very same spot, so separations are rarely final.
The singer talks to someone he cares about: “You go left, I go right” yet the path will cross again because both share the same center. Instead of clinging too tightly, he suggests letting go with trust that true connections orbit back. The song is an uplifting reminder that distance, time, and detours cannot break real bonds – they just set the stage for the next joyful reunion.