German Conversation · Level 26
90 words
German word
streng
Pronunciation
IPA/ʃtʁɛŋ/
Meaning
- adjectivestrict
Example
Mein Vater ist strenger als mein Onkel.
My father is stricter than my uncle.
More examples
Die Regeln sind zu streng für Anfänger.
The rules are too strict for beginners.
Core concept
A stern force that presses people or rules toward exact compliance.
Common phrases
zu streng sein
be too strict
ein strenger Maßstab
a strict standard
mit strengem Blick
with a stern look
Similar words
hart: Harsh in physical feel or personal manner.
strikt: Following clearly defined rules with exact precision.
diszipliniert: Showing self-control, orderly habits, and commitment to discipline.
Definition in German
Jemand oder eine Regel, die wenig Nachsicht zeigt und genaue Einhaltung verlangt.
Word origin
Streng is cognate with English strong and preserves a related idea of force, while German usage extended that idea to severity and strict control.
Usage tips
- Besides people and rules, streng can describe an intense smell or taste, so context determines whether strict or strong is the better translation.
Other meanings
- stringentadjective
- rigorousadjective
Opposites
- nachgiebiglenientadjective
- mildmildadjective
Related words
- Strengestrictnessnoun
- strengstensmost strictlyadverb