die  Durchsetzung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdʊʁçzɛt͡sʊŋ/

📖 What does "die Durchsetzung" mean?

Die Durchsetzung (noun, feminine) refers to the process of realizing or enforcing something (e.g., a right, a law, a rule, a plan, a claim, an opinion) against resistance or obstacles. It's about ensuring that something is followed, implemented, or recognized.

• Legal/Political Context: Die Durchsetzung von Gesetzen (enforcement of laws) means ensuring they are obeyed (e.g., by police, courts).
• Personal/Professional Context: Die Durchsetzung eigener Interessen oder Ziele (assertion/pursuit of one's own interests or goals) means actively pursuing and achieving them, even against opposition.
• Technical/Planning Context: Die Durchsetzung eines Standards oder Plans (implementation/establishment of a standard or plan) means its deployment and establishment.

It often implies a certain degree of effort, authority, or persistence.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Durchsetzung

The word "Durchsetzung" is a feminine noun. The article is "die". It is mainly used in the singular because it describes a process or concept. The plural ("die Durchsetzungen") is rare and refers to multiple specific acts of enforcement.

Example Sentences

1. Die Durchsetzung der neuen Verkehrsregeln erfordert mehr Polizeipräsenz.
   (The enforcement of the new traffic rules requires more police presence.)
2. Ihm fehlt die nötige Härte zur Durchsetzung seiner Ziele.
   (He lacks the necessary toughness for the assertion/pursuit of his goals.)
3. Die Durchsetzung des Rauchverbots war anfangs schwierig.
   (The enforcement of the smoking ban was difficult at first.)
4. Es gab mehrere erfolgreiche Durchsetzungen von Schadensersatzansprüchen.
   (There were several successful enforcements of damage claims - rare plural.)

💡 How to use "Durchsetzung"?

"Durchsetzung" is used when talking about actively implementing something or making it prevail, often despite challenges.

• Formal Context: Common in law, politics, administration, and business. Example: Die Durchsetzung von Compliance-Richtlinien ist unerlässlich. (The enforcement of compliance guidelines is essential.)
• General Context: Can also be used in a personal context to describe willpower or achieving goals. Example: Seine Durchsetzungskraft im Meeting war beeindruckend. (His assertiveness in the meeting was impressive.) (Here, the related noun/adjective "Durchsetzungsfähigkeit" or "Durchsetzungskraft" - assertiveness/ability to assert oneself - is often used for people).
• Difference from "Umsetzung": While "Umsetzung" (implementation) describes the more technical or organizational act of making something happen, "Durchsetzung" (enforcement/assertion) emphasizes overcoming resistance or ensuring compliance. A rule is umgesetzt (technically implemented) and then durchgesetzt (its compliance is ensured).
• Difference from "Verwirklichung": "Verwirklichung" (realization) is broader and can mean achieving a dream or idea without explicit resistance. "Durchsetzung" strongly implies a struggle or effort against opposition.

🧠 Memory Aids for Durchsetzung

Article Mnemonic (die):

Think: You need 'die' (the) power, 'die' force, 'die' persistence for 'die' Durchsetzung. Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (die).

Meaning Mnemonic:

Imagine having to 'set' (setzen) something 'through' (durch) a thick wall (resistance). That's 'Durchsetzung' – pushing something through!

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words:

• Besetzung: Occupation (of a place), casting (in a film).
• Übersetzung: Translation.
• Zusammensetzung: Composition, makeup.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Anwalt immer einen Hammer dabei? – Für die Durchsetzung seiner Argumente im Gerichtssaal!

(Why does the lawyer always carry a hammer? – For the 'enforcement'/'hammering home' of his arguments in the courtroom!)

✒️ Poem about Durchsetzung

Ein Plan, ein Recht, ein klares Ziel, (A plan, a right, a clear goal,)
doch Widerstand, der ist subtil. (but resistance, it is subtle.)
Mit Mut und Kraft, oft unbequem, (With courage and strength, often uncomfortable,)
wird's Wirklichkeit, das System. (it becomes reality, the system.)
Die Durchsetzung braucht oft Zeit, (Enforcement often needs time,)
doch führt am End' zur Gültigkeit. (but leads in the end to validity.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin kein König, brauch' doch Macht,
(I am no king, yet need power,)
hab' Regeln oft zur Pflicht gemacht.
(have often made rules mandatory.)
Ich kämpfe gegen Widerstreben,
(I fight against reluctance,)
um Plänen Geltung zu geben.
(to give plans validity.)
Mal bin ich sanft, mal bin ich hart,
(Sometimes I am gentle, sometimes hard,)
damit ein Anspruch wird gewahrt.
(so that a claim is upheld.)

Was bin ich? / What am I? ... Die Durchsetzung (Enforcement/Assertion)

🧩 Further Information

Word Formation:

The word "Durchsetzung" is a noun derived from the verb "durchsetzen". This verb can be separable (er setzt durch - he enforces/asserts) or inseparable (er durchsetzt - he permeates/infuses), depending on the meaning. The noun relates to the meaning of the separable verb: "to bring something to success", "to make something prevail".

• durch- (Prefix, here meaning 'through', 'completely', 'against resistance')
• setzen (Verb: 'to set', 'to place', 'to establish')
• -ung (Suffix for forming nouns, usually feminine)

Related Terms:

• Durchsetzungsvermögen / Durchsetzungskraft: Assertiveness, ability to enforce one's will or goals.
• Durchsetzungsstark: Adjective meaning assertive, forceful.