schwach
schwach في 30 ثانية
- Schwach is the primary German word for 'weak', serving as the direct antonym to 'stark' (strong) across all contexts.
- It describes physical states (sick people), sensory qualities (weak coffee), technical levels (low battery), and abstract concepts (weak arguments).
- Grammatically, it requires an umlaut in its comparative (schwächer) and superlative (am schwächsten) forms, which is typical for short adjectives.
- Common idioms include 'schwach werden' (to give in to temptation) and 'eine schwache Stelle' (a vulnerability or weak spot).
The German adjective schwach is a fundamental word that every learner must master early on, as it describes a wide range of conditions involving a lack of strength, intensity, or power. At its most basic level, it is the direct opposite of stark (strong). When you think of schwach, imagine a battery that is almost dead, a cup of tea that tastes mostly like water, or a person who has just recovered from a long illness and lacks the physical energy to stand up. It is a versatile word that transitions seamlessly from physical descriptions to abstract concepts and technical specifications.
- Physical Frailty
- In a biological context, schwach describes a person or animal lacking muscle power or vitality. It is often used in medical settings or when discussing the elderly or the sick. For example, after a marathon, your legs might feel schwach. It is not just about being small; it is about the absence of the force required to perform an action.
Nach der langen Krankheit fühlte er sich noch sehr schwach.
- Intensity and Concentration
- Beyond biology, schwach refers to the low concentration of a substance or the low intensity of a sensory input. A schwacher Kaffee is one that was made with too much water or too few beans. A schwaches Licht is a dim light that barely illuminates a room. In these cases, the word describes a lack of impact on the senses.
Das WLAN-Signal in diesem Zimmer ist leider sehr schwach.
- Character and Willpower
- Metaphorically, schwach describes a person's character or resolve. A schwacher Charakter is someone who is easily influenced or lacks the courage to stand up for their beliefs. Similarly, a schwaches Argument is one that is easily refuted because it lacks logical foundation or evidence. It implies a vulnerability to external pressure or scrutiny.
Er konnte der Versuchung nicht widerstehen und wurde schwach.
Die wirtschaftliche Lage des Landes ist momentan eher schwach.
In summary, schwach is used whenever there is a deficiency in power, whether that power is physical, electrical, chemical, logical, or moral. It is a word that helps you describe the nuances of the world around you, from the flickering of a candle to the instability of a global economy. Understanding its breadth allows you to move beyond simple 'good' or 'bad' descriptions and provide more accurate assessments of strength and quality.
Using schwach correctly requires an understanding of German adjective declension and the various contexts in which 'weakness' can be applied. As an adjective, it can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein') or attributively (before a noun). When used predicatively, it remains unchanged: Das Signal ist schwach. However, when placed before a noun, it must take the appropriate ending based on gender, case, and the preceding article.
- Attributive Usage
- When you say 'a weak man', the ending changes: ein schwacher Mann (masculine nominative). For a feminine noun: eine schwache Leistung (a weak performance). For neuter: ein schwaches Licht (a weak light). Mastering these endings is crucial for sounding natural in German conversation and writing.
Das ist ein sehr schwacher Trost für den Verlust.
- Comparative and Superlative
- The comparative form of schwach is schwächer (weaker), and the superlative is am schwächsten (weakest). Note the umlaut change from 'a' to 'ä'. This is a common feature for one-syllable adjectives in German. You might say, 'Heute fühle ich mich noch schwächer als gestern' (Today I feel even weaker than yesterday).
Dieser Punkt ist das schwächste Glied in der Kette.
- Adverbial Usage
- You can also use schwach as an adverb to describe how an action is performed. For instance, 'Die Lampe leuchtet nur schwach' (The lamp glows only weakly). In this role, it modifies the verb to indicate a low level of intensity or vigor.
Die Hoffnung glimmt nur noch schwach in seinem Herzen.
Whether you are describing a physical state, a technical failure, or a character trait, schwach provides the necessary nuance. It is important to pay attention to the context to decide whether a more specific synonym like kraftlos (powerless) or leise (quiet) might be more appropriate, but schwach remains the most reliable all-purpose word for lack of strength.
In everyday German life, schwach is omnipresent. You will hear it in the kitchen, at the doctor's office, in the news, and in casual conversations about technology. Its frequency makes it a high-utility word that anchors many common expressions and observations. Understanding where it pops up helps you recognize it in the wild and use it with confidence.
- Technology and Gadgets
- One of the most common places to hear schwach today is in relation to electronics. If your phone is about to die, the 'Akku' (battery) is schwach. If you are in a remote area, the 'Netz' (network) or 'Signal' might be schwach. This usage is strictly technical and refers to the measurable power output or reception quality.
Mein Handy-Akku ist schwach, ich muss es gleich laden.
- Food and Drink
- Germans are quite particular about their coffee. If someone serves you a cup that looks like tea, you might complain that the coffee is zu schwach. This implies it lacks the necessary 'Stärke' (strength/caffeine/flavor). Similarly, a schwache Mischung in a cocktail means there is very little alcohol in it.
Der Tee ist mir zu schwach, ich lasse ihn noch ziehen.
- Business and Economy
- In the news, you will frequently hear about a schwache Konjunktur (weak economy) or schwache Nachfrage (weak demand). In a professional setting, a boss might describe a project's results as eine schwache Leistung, which is a polite but firm way of saying the work was not good enough. It focuses on the lack of effort or impact.
Die Nachfrage nach Elektroautos war im letzten Quartal sehr schwach.
By paying attention to these contexts, you can see how schwach functions as a bridge between the physical world and the world of ideas. It is a word that describes a deficit, and in a culture that often values efficiency and strength, identifying what is schwach is a common part of daily discourse.
While schwach is a straightforward word, English speakers often trip over its nuances or confuse it with other German words that translate to 'weak' or 'soft' in different contexts. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your German sound much more precise and sophisticated.
- Schwach vs. Leise
- A very common mistake is using schwach to describe a low volume of sound. In English, we might say 'a weak voice', but in German, eine leise Stimme is much more common. Schwach in relation to a voice implies the person is physically unable to speak louder due to illness or exhaustion, whereas leise simply refers to the volume level.
Sprich bitte nicht so leise (NOT schwach), ich kann dich nicht hören.
- Schwach vs. Weich
- Another point of confusion is weich (soft). While 'weak' and 'soft' can sometimes be synonyms in English (e.g., 'he's soft' meaning he's not tough), in German, weich usually refers to physical texture (like a pillow) or a gentle personality. Schwach refers to a lack of power. If you say a bed is schwach, a German might think the bed frame is about to break, rather than the mattress being comfortable.
Das Kissen ist sehr weich (NOT schwach).
- Overusing Schwach for Tiredness
- If you are just sleepy after a long day, use müde. If you are exhausted from work, use erschöpft. Use schwach only if you feel a literal loss of physical strength, perhaps because you haven't eaten or you are coming down with the flu. Using schwach for simple tiredness can sound overly dramatic.
Ich bin einfach nur müde (NOT schwach), ich gehe jetzt ins Bett.
By distinguishing schwach from its neighbors like leise, weich, and müde, you ensure that your descriptions are accurate. German is a language that values precision, and choosing the right word for the right kind of 'weakness' is a hallmark of an advanced learner.
To truly master German, you need to know when to use schwach and when a more specific synonym would be better. The German language has a rich vocabulary for describing various states of being 'less than strong'. Here are some of the most important alternatives and how they compare to schwach.
- Kraftlos vs. Schwach
- Kraftlos literally means 'without power'. While schwach suggests a low level of strength, kraftlos suggests a total depletion. You might feel schwach when you have a cold, but you feel kraftlos after running a marathon or during a deep depression. It is a more intense, absolute state.
Er sank kraftlos in den Sessel.
- Gebrechlich vs. Schwach
- Gebrechlich is specifically used for the frailty of old age or chronic illness. It implies a certain brittleness or delicacy. While a young person can be schwach, they are rarely described as gebrechlich. This word carries a sense of permanent or long-term physical decline.
Meine gebrechliche Großmutter braucht Hilfe beim Gehen.
- Labil vs. Schwach
- When talking about emotional or mental states, labil (unstable) is often a better choice than schwach. A schwacher Charakter is someone who gives in easily, but an emotionale Labilität refers to mood swings or psychological fragility. Labil suggests a lack of balance rather than just a lack of strength.
Nach dem Unfall war sie psychisch sehr labil.
By expanding your vocabulary to include words like kraftlos, gebrechlich, dünn, and labil, you can describe 'weakness' with much greater precision. Each of these words carries its own emotional weight and situational context, allowing you to paint a clearer picture for your listener or reader.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The word is cognate with the English word 'swag' (in the sense of swaying or sagging), though the meanings have diverged significantly over centuries.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'ch' as a 'k' (sounding like 'shwak').
- Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'w' (sounding like 'shwach' with an English 'w').
- Making the 'a' sound too long like in 'father'.
- Using the 'ich-Laut' (hissing) instead of the 'ach-Laut' (throat) after the 'a' vowel.
- Softening the 'sch' into a simple 's'.
مستوى الصعوبة
The word is short and appears frequently in basic texts.
Requires knowledge of adjective endings and the umlaut in comparative forms.
The 'ch' sound can be tricky for beginners to distinguish from 'k'.
Easily recognizable in spoken German due to its distinct 'sch' start.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Adjective Declension
Ein schwacher Mann (masculine), eine schwache Frau (feminine), ein schwaches Kind (neuter).
Comparative with Umlaut
schwach -> schwächer -> am schwächsten.
Predicative vs Attributive
Das Signal ist schwach (predicative) vs. Das schwache Signal (attributive).
Adverbial usage
Die Lampe leuchtet schwach.
Compound Noun Formation
Schwach + Stelle = Schwachstelle.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Ich fühle mich heute ein bisschen schwach.
I feel a bit weak today.
Predicative use of 'schwach' after the verb 'fühlen'.
Der Kaffee ist sehr schwach.
The coffee is very weak.
Simple adjective use to describe intensity.
Ein schwacher Wind weht heute.
A weak wind is blowing today.
Attributive use with masculine nominative ending '-er'.
Die Lampe ist schwach.
The lamp is weak/dim.
Describing light intensity.
Er hat ein schwaches Herz.
He has a weak heart.
Attributive use with neuter accusative ending '-es'.
Das Signal ist hier schwach.
The signal is weak here.
Common technical usage.
Bist du schwach?
Are you weak?
Simple question structure.
Das ist eine schwache Farbe.
That is a weak/pale color.
Attributive use with feminine nominative ending '-e'.
Mein Akku ist leider sehr schwach.
My battery is unfortunately very weak.
Everyday technology context.
Er ist schwächer als sein Bruder.
He is weaker than his brother.
Comparative form 'schwächer' with umlaut.
Ich bin schwach in Englisch.
I am weak in English.
Using 'schwach in' to describe a lack of skill.
Das war eine schwache Leistung von ihm.
That was a weak performance from him.
Attributive use describing quality.
Bei Schokolade werde ich immer schwach.
I always give in when it comes to chocolate.
Idiomatic use of 'schwach werden'.
Das Licht wurde immer schwächer.
The light became weaker and weaker.
Comparative used to show a progression.
Sie hat eine schwache Stimme.
She has a weak voice.
Describing physical sound production.
Das ist mein schwächster Punkt.
That is my weakest point.
Superlative form 'schwächster'.
Das Argument ist inhaltlich sehr schwach.
The argument is very weak in terms of content.
Metaphorical use in logical reasoning.
Die Wirtschaft zeigt ein schwaches Wachstum.
The economy is showing weak growth.
Economic context.
Er hat den Gegner an seiner schwachen Stelle getroffen.
He hit the opponent at his weak spot.
Idiomatic use for vulnerability.
Die Suppe schmeckt etwas schwach.
The soup tastes a bit weak/bland.
Describing flavor intensity.
Es gibt nur eine schwache Hoffnung auf Erfolg.
There is only a faint hope for success.
Abstract usage with 'Hoffnung'.
Das WLAN ist hier oben zu schwach für Videos.
The WiFi up here is too weak for videos.
Technical limitation.
Er ist ein schwacher Trost für mich.
He is a small comfort to me.
Common collocation 'schwacher Trost'.
Die Sonne scheint heute nur schwach durch die Wolken.
The sun is only shining weakly through the clouds today.
Adverbial use modifying 'scheinen'.
Die schwache Konjunktur belastet den Arbeitsmarkt.
The weak economy is weighing on the labor market.
Formal economic terminology.
Er leidet unter einer schwachen Blase.
He suffers from a weak bladder.
Medical euphemism.
Das war eine schwache Ausrede für dein Zuspätkommen.
That was a weak excuse for your lateness.
Evaluating social behavior.
Die Beweislage gegen ihn ist äußerst schwach.
The evidence against him is extremely weak.
Legal context.
Wir müssen unsere Schwachstellen analysieren.
We must analyze our weak points.
Use of the compound noun 'Schwachstelle'.
Das Licht der Sterne war nur schwach erkennbar.
The light of the stars was only faintly recognizable.
Describing perception.
Sie ist in einer schwachen Position für die Verhandlungen.
She is in a weak position for the negotiations.
Strategic context.
Das Medikament hat nur eine schwache Wirkung.
The medication has only a weak effect.
Scientific/medical context.
Die schwache Korrelation zwischen den Daten überraschte die Forscher.
The weak correlation between the data surprised the researchers.
Academic/statistical usage.
Seine Argumentation basierte auf einer schwachen logischen Kette.
His reasoning was based on a weak logical chain.
Sophisticated critique.
In einem schwachen Moment gestand er alles.
In a weak moment, he confessed everything.
Psychological idiom.
Die schwache Resonanz auf den Aufruf war enttäuschend.
The weak response to the appeal was disappointing.
Describing public reaction.
Das ist eine schwache Kopie des Originals.
That is a weak copy of the original.
Aesthetic judgment.
Er fühlte sich hinfällig und schwach.
He felt decrepit and weak.
Using synonyms for emphasis.
Die schwache Währung verteuert die Importe.
The weak currency makes imports more expensive.
Macroeconomic context.
Es war ein schwacher Abglanz früherer Herrlichkeit.
It was a faint reflection of former glory.
Literary/poetic expression.
Die schwache Wechselwirkung ist eine der vier Grundkräfte der Physik.
The weak interaction is one of the four fundamental forces of physics.
Highly specialized scientific term.
Das Werk zeichnet sich durch eine bewusst schwache Narrativik aus.
The work is characterized by a deliberately weak narrative structure.
Literary theory context.
Die schwache Ausprägung dieses Merkmals deutet auf eine Mutation hin.
The weak expression of this trait suggests a mutation.
Biological/genetic terminology.
Er kritisierte die schwache Institutionalisierung der Bürgerrechte.
He criticized the weak institutionalization of civil rights.
Political science discourse.
Die schwache Form der Effizienzmarkthypothese besagt...
The weak form of the efficient market hypothesis states...
Economic theory.
Es herrscht eine schwache Ordnung in diesem System.
There is a weak order in this system.
Philosophical/systemic analysis.
Die schwache Besetzung der Rollen ruinierte das Theaterstück.
The weak casting of the roles ruined the play.
Artistic criticism.
Seine schwache Konstitution verhinderte eine politische Karriere.
His weak constitution prevented a political career.
Formal biographical description.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— To give in to temptation or to lose one's resolve. Often used with food or shopping.
Bei diesem Angebot bin ich schwach geworden.
— To have a moment of vulnerability or to make a mistake due to temporary weakness.
Jeder hat mal eine schwache Stunde.
— To be physically weak, or metaphorically to lack financial or technical resources.
Der neue Computer ist etwas schwach auf der Brust.
— To make a poor impression or to perform poorly in a public situation.
Der Politiker gab in der Talkshow ein schwaches Bild ab.
— Someone's vulnerability or a specific area where they lack skill or strength.
Mathematik war schon immer meine schwache Seite.
— Extremely weak physically. A common simile.
Nach der Operation fühlte er sich schwach wie eine Fliege.
— To identify or attack someone's most vulnerable area.
Mit dieser Frage hat sie seinen schwachen Punkt getroffen.
— A faint or poor imitation of something that was once much better.
Das Remake ist nur ein schwacher Abglanz des Originals.
— To start something (like a game or a project) with low energy or poor results.
Die Mannschaft hat schwach angefangen, sich dann aber gesteigert.
— To be based on an unstable foundation or to be poorly justified.
Seine Behauptungen stehen auf schwachen Füßen.
يُخلط عادةً مع
English speakers use 'weak' for sound, but Germans use 'leise' (quiet).
English 'weak' can mean 'soft', but German 'weich' is for texture or gentle personality.
Use 'müde' for sleepy, 'schwach' for lacking physical strength.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To succumb to a desire or temptation.
Ich wollte keine Schuhe kaufen, aber ich bin schwach geworden.
informal— To talk to someone in a disrespectful or provocative way.
Red mich nicht so schwach an!
slang— A dated term for women. Use with caution as it is often seen as sexist.
Früher nannte man Frauen das schwache Geschlecht.
dated— To lack power, money, or stamina.
Die Firma ist finanziell etwas schwach auf der Brust.
informal— To have a secret liking or weakness for something.
Er hat eine schwache Ader für Kitsch.
neutral— To be unintelligent or mentally slow (offensive).
Er ist wohl ein bisschen schwach im Kopf.
offensive— To pretend to be weak to gain sympathy or an advantage.
Spiel nicht immer den Schwachen!
neutral— Completely lacking in strength or character.
Sein Wille war schwach wie Wasser.
literary— To appear unimpressive or lacking in quality.
Der neue Film kommt ziemlich schwach daher.
informal— To be easily frightened or emotionally fragile (also literal medical).
Nichts für Leute, die ein schwaches Herz haben.
neutralسهل الخلط
Both can translate to 'faint' in English.
Leise refers to volume; schwach refers to power or physical state.
Eine leise Stimme (low volume) vs. eine schwache Stimme (physically weak).
Metaphorical overlap in English (a 'soft' person).
Weich is texture or kindness; schwach is lack of resolve or strength.
Ein weiches Kissen vs. ein schwacher Charakter.
Both used for liquids.
Dünn is 'thin' (watery); schwach is 'weak' (low concentration). Often interchangeable for coffee.
Der Tee ist zu dünn / schwach.
Very similar meaning.
Kraftlos is more intense, meaning 'totally without power'.
Ich fühle mich schwach (a bit weak) vs. ich bin kraftlos (no energy left).
Both describe exhaustion.
Matt often includes a sense of dullness or lack of spirit.
Matte Augen (dull eyes) vs. schwache Augen (poor vision).
أنماط الجُمل
Ich bin [adjective].
Ich bin schwach.
Der/Die/Das [noun] ist schwach.
Der Kaffee ist schwach.
Ich habe einen/eine/ein schwachen/schwache/schwaches [noun].
Ich habe einen schwachen Akku.
[Noun A] ist schwächer als [Noun B].
Mein Handy ist schwächer als deins.
Bei [noun] werde ich schwach.
Bei Pizza werde ich schwach.
Das ist ein schwacher Trost für [person].
Das ist ein schwacher Trost für ihn.
Wegen der schwachen [noun] gibt es Probleme.
Wegen der schwachen Nachfrage gibt es Probleme.
In einem schwachen Moment [verb] er/sie...
In einem schwachen Moment kaufte sie das Auto.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
Very high in daily life, technology, and business.
-
Ich habe eine schwache Stimme (meaning low volume).
→
Ich habe eine leise Stimme.
Use 'leise' for volume. 'Schwach' implies you are physically too weak to speak louder.
-
Der Film war zu schwach (meaning too quiet).
→
Der Ton war zu leise.
Again, 'schwach' is about power/quality, not volume. If the movie was boring, 'schwach' is okay.
-
Ich bin heute sehr schwach (meaning just tired).
→
Ich bin heute sehr müde.
'Schwach' is for physical illness or lack of strength. 'Müde' is for needing sleep.
-
Das ist ein schwacher Bett (meaning soft).
→
Das ist ein weiches Bett.
'Weich' is for physical softness. 'Schwach' would mean the bed is about to break.
-
Er ist schwach in Deutsch (wrong preposition).
→
Er ist schwach in Deutsch.
Actually, 'in' is correct, but some learners try to use 'an' or 'bei'. Stick with 'in'.
نصائح
Umlaut Alert
Don't forget the umlaut in the comparative: schwächer. This is a common mistake for learners who forget that short German adjectives often change their vowel.
Coffee Talk
If your coffee is too weak, ask for 'stärkeren Kaffee'. If it's too strong, you can say it's 'zu stark' and you'd prefer it 'schwächer'.
Temptation
Use 'schwach werden' when you can't resist something. It's a great way to sound more like a native speaker in casual settings.
Battery Life
If your phone is dying, say 'Mein Akku ist schwach'. It's the most natural way to express that you need a charger soon.
Sensitivity
Avoid using 'schwach' to describe people's personalities unless you are making a specific critique, as it can be perceived as insulting.
Precision
In essays, use 'ein schwaches Argument' to criticize a point. It sounds more academic than just saying the argument is 'schlecht' (bad).
Weather Reports
Listen for 'schwache Bewölkung' or 'schwacher Wind' in German news to practice hearing the word in a natural, formal context.
The 'CH' Sound
Make sure the 'ch' in 'schwach' comes from the throat (ach-Laut) because it follows the vowel 'a'. This is different from 'ich'.
Economic Trends
Terms like 'schwache Nachfrage' (weak demand) are essential for business German. They help you describe market conditions accurately.
The 'S' Rule
Remember: Schwach = Small strength. Both start with 'S'. This simple link can help you recall the meaning instantly.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of a 'swaying' ('schwach') branch in the wind. It is too weak to stand still.
ربط بصري
Imagine a battery icon that is flashing red and only has one tiny bar left. That is 'schwach'.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to find three things in your room right now that are 'schwach' (e.g., a dim light, a low battery, a thin curtain).
أصل الكلمة
Derived from Middle High German 'swach' and Old High German 'swah'. It is related to the Dutch 'zwak' and Old Norse 'svakr'.
المعنى الأصلي: The original meaning was 'bent', 'swaying', or 'yielding', coming from a root that meant to move back and forth.
Germanicالسياق الثقافي
Avoid 'schwachsinnig' as it is an offensive term for mental disability. Be careful with 'das schwache Geschlecht' as it is sexist.
English speakers often use 'weak' for tea, but Germans use 'schwach' for both tea and coffee. English 'weak' can be 'leise' for sound, which is a common translation error.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Health
- Ich fühle mich schwach.
- Ein schwacher Puls.
- Schwache Abwehrkräfte.
- Nach der Grippe schwach sein.
Technology
- Schwacher Akku.
- Schwaches WLAN-Signal.
- Schwache Prozessorleistung.
- Das Licht ist zu schwach.
Food & Drink
- Schwacher Kaffee.
- Der Tee ist zu schwach.
- Eine schwache Mischung.
- Schwach gewürzt.
Education & Work
- Eine schwache Note.
- Schwache Leistung.
- Schwach in Mathe sein.
- Ein schwaches Argument.
Economy
- Schwache Währung.
- Schwache Konjunktur.
- Schwache Nachfrage.
- Schwaches Wachstum.
بدايات محادثة
"Findest du den Kaffee hier auch zu schwach?"
"Warst du schon mal so richtig schwach nach dem Sport?"
"Bei welchem Essen wirst du immer schwach?"
"Ist das Internet in deiner Wohnung auch so schwach?"
"Was ist deiner Meinung nach eine schwache Ausrede fürs Zuspätkommen?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du schwach geworden bist, obwohl du stark sein wolltest.
Was sind deine schwachen Seiten und wie gehst du damit um?
Denkst du, dass die Wirtschaft momentan schwach oder stark ist? Warum?
Schreibe über einen Moment, in dem du dich körperlich sehr schwach gefühlt hast.
Ist ein schwacher Trost besser als gar kein Trost? Erkläre deine Meinung.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, if you mean they don't talk much, use 'schüchtern' (shy) or 'ruhig' (quiet). If you mean their voice is low, use 'leise'. Use 'schwach' only if they lack physical or moral strength.
Yes, 'schwacher Kaffee' is the standard term. You can also use 'dünner Kaffee' informally. It means there is too much water or not enough caffeine.
You can say 'Ich habe eine Schwäche für Schokolade' (noun) or 'Bei Schokolade werde ich schwach' (verb phrase). Both are very common.
'Schwach' is a general term for low strength. 'Kraftlos' is more extreme, meaning you have zero power left, like after a huge physical effort.
Yes, informally you can say 'Der Film war schwach', meaning it was disappointing or lacked quality. It's similar to saying 'That was a weak effort'.
Yes, if it comes before a noun. For example: 'ein schwacher Akku', 'eine schwache Leistung', 'ein schwaches Signal'. If it comes after 'ist', it stays 'schwach'.
The most common opposite is 'stark' (strong). Depending on the context, 'kräftig' (powerful) or 'intensiv' (intense) can also be opposites.
Not necessarily. It's often used playfully when talking about food or shopping. However, in a moral context, it can mean failing to do the right thing.
Yes, 'ein schwacher Wind' is correct. You can also say 'ein leichter Wind'. Both are used in weather reports.
It's an idiom. Literally 'weak on the chest', it means someone lacks stamina, money, or technical power. It's quite informal.
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
Write a sentence about a weak battery.
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Compare two things using 'schwächer'.
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Use 'schwach werden' in a sentence about shopping.
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Describe a weak performance at work.
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Write a sentence about a weak signal.
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Use 'schwach' as an adverb.
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Describe a person feeling weak after being sick.
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Write a sentence about a weak argument.
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Use the superlative 'am schwächsten'.
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Describe a weak economy.
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Write a sentence about weak coffee.
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Use 'schwach in' to describe a skill.
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Write a sentence about a weak wind.
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Describe a weak moment.
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Use 'schwacher Trost'.
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Describe a dim light.
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Write a sentence about a weak heart.
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Describe a weak excuse.
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Use 'schwach' to describe a color.
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Write a sentence about a weak pulse.
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Pronounce 'schwach'.
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Say 'The coffee is weak' in German.
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Say 'My battery is weak' in German.
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Say 'I feel weak' in German.
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Pronounce 'schwächer'.
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Say 'He is weaker than me' in German.
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Say 'That is a weak argument' in German.
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Say 'I give in to chocolate' using 'schwach werden'.
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Say 'The signal is weak here' in German.
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Say 'That was a weak performance' in German.
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Pronounce 'am schwächsten'.
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Say 'I am weak in math' in German.
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Say 'A weak wind' in German.
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Say 'The light is weak' in German.
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Say 'A weak heart' in German.
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Say 'A weak excuse' in German.
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Say 'A weak point' in German.
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Say 'The economy is weak' in German.
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Say 'A weak comfort' in German.
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Say 'The tea is too weak' in German.
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Listen and write: 'Der Akku ist schwach.'
Listen and write: 'Ich fühle mich heute schwach.'
Listen and write: 'Das war eine schwache Leistung.'
Listen and write: 'Der Kaffee ist zu schwach.'
Listen and write: 'Ein schwacher Wind weht.'
Listen and write: 'Er ist schwächer als sein Freund.'
Listen and write: 'Das Signal ist hier sehr schwach.'
Listen and write: 'Bei Pizza werde ich schwach.'
Listen and write: 'Das ist ein schwaches Argument.'
Listen and write: 'Die Lampe leuchtet nur schwach.'
Listen and write: 'Er hat ein schwaches Herz.'
Listen and write: 'Das ist ein schwacher Trost.'
Listen and write: 'Die Wirtschaft ist momentan schwach.'
Listen and write: 'Ich bin schwach in Mathe.'
Listen and write: 'In einem schwachen Moment...'
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Summary
Mastering 'schwach' is essential because it covers everything from a dying phone battery to a lack of willpower. Example: 'Ich bin schwach geworden und habe den Kuchen gegessen' (I gave in and ate the cake).
- Schwach is the primary German word for 'weak', serving as the direct antonym to 'stark' (strong) across all contexts.
- It describes physical states (sick people), sensory qualities (weak coffee), technical levels (low battery), and abstract concepts (weak arguments).
- Grammatically, it requires an umlaut in its comparative (schwächer) and superlative (am schwächsten) forms, which is typical for short adjectives.
- Common idioms include 'schwach werden' (to give in to temptation) and 'eine schwache Stelle' (a vulnerability or weak spot).
Umlaut Alert
Don't forget the umlaut in the comparative: schwächer. This is a common mistake for learners who forget that short German adjectives often change their vowel.
Coffee Talk
If your coffee is too weak, ask for 'stärkeren Kaffee'. If it's too strong, you can say it's 'zu stark' and you'd prefer it 'schwächer'.
Temptation
Use 'schwach werden' when you can't resist something. It's a great way to sound more like a native speaker in casual settings.
Battery Life
If your phone is dying, say 'Mein Akku ist schwach'. It's the most natural way to express that you need a charger soon.
مثال
Sie fühlt sich nach der Grippe noch schwach.
محتوى ذو صلة
عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات general
ab
A1منذ / ابتداءً من. 'ابتداءً من الغد سأعمل.' (Ab morgen werde ich arbeiten.)
abends
A2في المساء. 'أقرأ في المساء.'
aber
A1كلمة 'aber' تعني 'لكن'. تُستخدم للربط بين فكرتين متناقضتين.
abgelegen
B1remote
ablehnen
A2رفض عرضًا أو دعوة. رفضت الشركة طلبي للعمل.
abschließen
A2قفل الباب بالمفتاح. إكمال دراسة أو إبرام عقد رسمي.
abseits
A2abseits تعني أن شيئًا ما يقع بعيدًا عن المنطقة الرئيسية أو المسار المعتاد.
acht
A1الرقم ثمانية (8).
Achte
A1الثامن (عدد ترتيبي).
achten
A2الانتباه إلى شيء ما أو احترام شخص ما.