German word

mächtig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɛçtɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivepowerful

Example

Das ist ein mächtiger Staat.

That is a powerful country.

Illustration for mächtig (powerful)

More examples

Die Gewerkschaft hat mächtigen Einfluss auf die Verhandlungen.

The trade union has a powerful influence on the negotiations.

Core concept

A dominant force that can shape other people's actions or overwhelm resistance.

Common phrases

  • mächtiger Einfluss

    powerful influence

  • mächtige Unterstützung

    powerful support

Similar words

einflussreich: Having the power to affect many people, decisions, or events.
stark: Strong in force or degree, with a notably powerful effect.
gewaltig: Very large or powerful, creating an overwhelming impression.
dominant: Clearly superior and inclined to control those around it.

Definition in German

Von großer Macht oder Einfluss; so stark, dass andere übertroffen oder beeinflusst werden.

Word origin

The adjective combines German Macht, meaning power, with the suffix -ig and is related to English might through Germanic development.

Usage tips

  • In colloquial German, mächtig can intensify another adjective, as in mächtig müde, meaning very tired rather than powerful.

Other meanings

  • influentialadjective
  • strongadjective
  • veryadverb

Opposites

  • machtlospowerlessadjective
  • schwachweakadjective

Related words

  • unmächtigpowerlessadjective
  • Mächtigkeitpowernoun

Word lists with this word