German Conversation · Level 147
30 words
German word
Zwang
Pronunciation
IPA/tsvaŋ/
Meaning
- masculine nounpressure
Example
Die Firma übte den Zwang auf die Mitarbeiter aus.
The company put pressure on its employees.
More examples
Durch sozialen Zwang sagen viele Menschen nicht ihre wahre Meinung.
Because of social pressure, many people do not say what they really think.
Core concept
A tightening grip turns an external demand into an inner feeling that resistance is impossible.
Common phrases
sozialer Zwang
social pressure
Zwang zur Konformität
pressure to conform
dem Zwang widerstehen
resist pressure
Similar words
Druck: Pressure from people or circumstances that pushes someone to act.
Nötigung: A criminal act of forcing someone through threats or violence.
Zwangslage: A difficult situation with too few options to get out.
Zwangsmaßnahme: A compulsory measure imposed without free consent.
Definition in German
Ein Zustand, in dem jemand gegen seinen Willen zu etwas gedrängt oder genötigt wird.
Word origin
Zwang developed as the noun corresponding to German zwingen, whose older Germanic root expressed force and compulsion.
Usage tips
- Zwang often sounds weightier than Druck, especially for coercion against a person's will, so the surrounding context matters.
Other meanings
- constraintnoun
- compulsionnoun
Opposites
- Einverständnisconsentnoun
- Autonomieautonomynoun
Related words
- zwangsweiseforciblyadverb
- Zwangsmittelcoercive measurenoun