An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/turnen

by Friedrich Kluge

turnen, vb., ‘to practise gymnastics,’ ModHG. only; no corresponding word is found in MidHG., which has only turnei, ‘tournament,’ turnieren, ‘to hold a tournament, tilt,’ borrowed from Fr. The ModHG. word is probably derived from Fr. tourner, ‘to turn, turn round.’