German word

schwer

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃveːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectiveheavy

Example

Der schwere Koffer steht im Flur.

The heavy suitcase is in the hallway.

Illustration for schwer (heavy)

More examples

Ich kann den schweren Koffer nicht allein tragen.

I can't carry the heavy suitcase alone.

Core concept

A load is hard to lift, and a grave situation feels equally hard to bear.

Common phrases

  • den schweren Koffer

    the heavy suitcase

  • zu schwer zum Tragen

    too heavy to carry

  • ein schweres Paket

    a heavy package

Similar words

leicht: Having little weight and easy to lift or handle.
schwierig: Not easy to do, understand, or resolve.

Definition in German

von beträchtlichem Gewicht; übertragen als schwierig, belastend oder ernst zu verstehen

Word origin

Old High German swer is the historical form behind schwer, whose meaning broadened from physical weight to demanding or serious conditions.

Usage tips

  • In expressions such as schwer verletzt and schwer krank, schwer means severely or seriously rather than physically heavy.

Other meanings

  • difficultadjective
  • toughadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word