German word

eisern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯zɐn/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunyielding

Example

Er hat einen eisernen Willen.

He has an unyielding will.

Illustration for eisern (unyielding)

More examples

Trotz Rückschlägen zeigte sie eisernes Durchhaltevermögen.

Despite setbacks, she showed unyielding perseverance.

Core concept

A will that stays rigid under pressure, like iron that does not bend.

Common phrases

  • eiserner Wille

    unyielding will

  • eiserne Entschlossenheit

    unyielding determination

  • eisernes Durchhaltevermögen

    unyielding perseverance

Similar words

entschlossen: Determined to act without hesitation toward a goal.
zäh: Persistent and able to endure difficulties without giving up easily.
unbeirrbar: Steadfast and unwilling to change course because of outside influence or opposition.
resolut: Firm and forceful in addressing matters with determination.

Definition in German

unbeugsam und standhaft in Wille oder Haltung

Word origin

Eisern derives from Eisen 'iron' with the adjective-forming suffix -ern and developed from a material sense to a figurative sense of steadfastness.

Usage tips

  • For an object made of iron, German normally uses aus Eisen rather than eisern; eisern is especially common in phrases such as eiserner Wille.

Other meanings

  • ironadjective
  • strictadjective

Opposites

  • nachgiebigyieldingadjective
  • willensschwachweak-willedadjective

Related words

  • Eisernheitunyieldingnessnoun

Word lists with this word