A "Wendehals," literally "turn neck," is someone from former East Germany whose political convictions did a one-eighty during the reunification period of 1989 to 1990. Amidst the political upheaval of the time, some of those who had publicly supported the former communist parties conveniently decided to change their tune and preach democratic politics or even join the West German political parties. Ironically, the German word "Wende" means "the turn" in general, but is also used specifically to refer to German reunification. These days, a "Wendehals" can be anyone that changes their opinion to fit the situation.