German word

ringen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁɪŋən/

Meaning

  • verbstruggle

Example

Die Firma ringt um ihre Existenz.

The company is struggling to survive.

Illustration for ringen (struggle)

More examples

Er ringt um Worte, als er seine Gefühle erklärt.

The company is struggling for its existence.

Core concept

A person locked in a strenuous contest pushes against an opponent, obstacle, or difficult goal.

Common phrases

  • um Worte ringen

    struggle to find words

  • um Atem ringen

    struggle for breath

  • um Aufmerksamkeit ringen

    struggle for attention

Similar words

kämpfen: Take forceful action and use available means to fulfill a purpose or defend a cause.
sich bemühen: Put great effort into reaching a goal while dealing with difficulties.
sich einsetzen: Work actively with personal effort or influence to promote a specific aim.

Definition in German

Mit Kraft gegen jemanden oder etwas kämpfen, sowohl körperlich als auch im übertragenen Sinn.

Word origin

German ringen is an inherited Germanic verb, recorded in Old High German ringan, whose physical sense extended to figurative struggles.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is mit jemandem ringen for a person and um etwas ringen for a goal, cause, or possession.

Other meanings

  • wrestleverb
  • contendverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Ringenwrestlingnoun
  • ringendstrugglingadjective

Word lists with this word