German word

Bedrängnis

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈdʁɛŋnɪs/

Meaning

  • neuter nountrouble

Example

Er geriet in große Bedrängnis.

He got into serious trouble.

Illustration for Bedrängnis (trouble)

More examples

Der Kunde brachte die Firma durch unbezahlte Rechnungen in Bedrängnis.

The customer put the company in trouble with unpaid invoices.

Core concept

A person is pressed from all sides, with every route out blocked.

Common phrases

  • in Bedrängnis geraten

    get into trouble

  • jemanden in Bedrängnis bringen

    put someone in trouble

  • aus der Bedrängnis herauskommen

    get out of trouble

Similar words

Notlage: An acute hardship requiring help or intervention from outside.
Krise: A grave situation that has worsened beyond the reach of normal responses.
Zwangslage: A predicament in which external pressure sharply limits the available choices.
Misere: A long-lasting condition of severe and worsening hardship.

Definition in German

Eine Situation, in der jemand durch äußeren Druck oder Zwang keine Aussicht auf einen Ausweg mehr hat.

Word origin

Bedrängnis is formed from the verb bedrängen, meaning to press or harass, with the noun-forming suffix -nis.

Usage tips

  • Bedrängnis is feminine: die Bedrängnis, in Bedrängnis, and the plural die Bedrängnisse.

Other meanings

  • difficultynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • bedrängenpressverb
  • bedrängendpressingadjective

Word lists with this word