die
Kraftanstrengung
🏋️♀️ What does 'die Kraftanstrengung' mean?
The German noun die Kraftanstrengung (feminine, article: die) describes an action or process that requires a great deal of physical or mental power (Kraft). It signifies a considerable effort, exertion, or struggle to achieve a specific goal or overcome a difficult task.
Imagine having to carry a heavy wardrobe up to the fifth floor – that's an enormous Kraftanstrengung! But solving a complex mathematical problem can also be a significant mental Kraftanstrengung.
It always uses the article die because it's a feminine noun. There's little chance of confusion with other articles. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with simple Anstrengung (effort) or Mühe (trouble, pains), which might imply less intensity.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📐 Grammar Workout for 'die Kraftanstrengung'
The noun die Kraftanstrengung is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kraftanstrengung |
| Genitive | der | Kraftanstrengung |
| Dative | der | Kraftanstrengung |
| Accusative | die | Kraftanstrengung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kraftanstrengungen |
| Genitive | der | Kraftanstrengungen |
| Dative | den | Kraftanstrengungen |
| Accusative | die | Kraftanstrengungen |
Example Sentences
- Der Marathonlauf war eine gewaltige Kraftanstrengung für alle Teilnehmer.
(The marathon was a tremendous effort for all participants.) - Es bedurfte großer Kraftanstrengungen, das Projekt rechtzeitig abzuschließen.
(It required great efforts to finish the project on time.) - Nach der schweren Operation erforderte die Genesung tägliche Kraftanstrengungen.
(After the major surgery, recovery required daily exertions.) - Mit letzter Kraftanstrengung erreichte er den Gipfel.
(With a final effort, he reached the summit.)
💡 When to Use 'die Kraftanstrengung'?
The term Kraftanstrengung is used when you want to describe a particularly high intensity of effort or exertion. It stands out from everyday Anstrengung (effort) or Mühe (trouble/pains).
- Physical Context: Peak athletic performances, heavy physical labor (e.g., moving house, construction work).
- Mental Context: Solving complex problems, intensive study periods, coping with emotionally difficult situations, completing large projects.
- Figurative Context: Often used to describe collective efforts (e.g., a national Kraftanstrengung to overcome a crisis).
Compared to Bemühung (a general attempt) or Aufwand (resource expenditure), Kraftanstrengung emphasizes the invested energy and willpower.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'Kraftanstrengung'
Article Mnemonic: Think of the sheer effort involved – it often feels demanding and persistent. In German, many abstract concepts ending in '-ung' like Anstrengung are feminine (die). So, remember: die Anstrengung leads to die Kraftanstrengung.
Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Kraft sounds like craft or power, and Anstrengung sounds a bit like strenuous. So, imagine using all your power for a strenuous task – that's a Kraftanstrengung.
🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Anstrengung: Basic word for effort, less intense.
- Bemühung: The attempt to do something, the effort made.
- Mühe / Mühsal: Emphasizes difficulty and burden.
- Aufwand: Emphasizes the resources used (time, money, energy).
- Strapaze: Severe physical or nervous strain.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Leichtigkeit: Ease, state of being effortless.
- Mühelosigkeit: Effortlessness, quality of doing something without effort.
- Entspannung: Relaxation, state without tension or exertion.
- Kinderspiel (ugs.): Child's play, something very easy.
🚨 Caution: Kraftakt is similar but often describes a single, short, intense action, whereas Kraftanstrengung can also describe a longer process.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Trainer den Gewichtheber: "War das heute eine große Kraftanstrengung für dich?"
Antwortet der Gewichtheber: "Nein, nur das Aufstehen heute Morgen!"
(The coach asks the weightlifter: "Was that a big effort for you today?"
The weightlifter replies: "No, just getting up this morning!")
📜 Poem about Effort
Die Muskeln brennen, der Geist ist wach,
ein Ziel vor Augen, Tag für Tag.
Mit aller Macht, mit Schweiß und Mut,
die Kraftanstrengung, sie tut gut.
Auch wenn der Weg oft steinig scheint,
am Ende wird der Sieg vereint.
(The muscles burn, the mind is awake,
a goal in sight, day by day.
With all might, with sweat and courage,
the great effort, it feels good.
Even if the path often seems rocky,
in the end, victory is united.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich koste Energie und Schweiß,
mach dich stark auf deine Reis'.
Ob Körper, Geist, ob groß, ob klein,
ohne mich kommst du nicht weit allein.
Um Großes zu erreichen, brauchst du mich,
mal kurz, mal lang, ganz sicherlich.
Was bin ich?
(...) Die Kraftanstrengung
(I cost energy and sweat,
make you strong on your journey yet.
Body or mind, big or small,
without me, you won't get far at all.
To achieve great things, you need me true,
sometimes short, sometimes long, for you.
What am I?
(...) The great effort / exertion (Die Kraftanstrengung))
🧩 Word Building & More
Word Composition:
The word Kraftanstrengung is a compound noun, made up of:
- Die Kraft: Strength, power, energy, force.
- Die Anstrengung: Effort, exertion.
Together, they describe an Anstrengung (effort) that requires a particularly large amount of Kraft (power/strength).
Related Verbs:
- sich anstrengen: to make an effort, to exert oneself.
- etwas anstrengen: (legal term) to initiate a lawsuit (not directly related to the main meaning).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kraftanstrengung?
The German word Kraftanstrengung is feminine. The correct article is die Kraftanstrengung.