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die Kraftlosigkeit

B1 noun #7,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

die Kraftlosigkeit

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces die Kraftlosigkeit en 30 secondes

Explication die Kraftlosigkeit in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words for how you feel, like 'müde' (tired) or 'krank' (sick). 'Kraftlosigkeit' is a bit too advanced for A1, but you can understand it by looking at its parts. 'Kraft' means power or strength, like a superhero has. 'Los' means 'without'. So, 'Kraftlos' means 'without power'. When we add '-igkeit', it becomes a noun: 'the state of being without power'. Imagine your phone battery is at 0%. That is 'Kraftlosigkeit'. At this level, just remember that if someone says this, they have no energy to play or work. It is a very 'heavy' kind of tired. You might see it in a simple story about someone who is very, very sick and cannot get out of bed. It is always 'die Kraftlosigkeit' because it is a feminine word. You don't need to use it yet, but recognizing 'Kraft' will help you learn many other German words later.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about health and daily problems. You might use 'Kraftlosigkeit' to explain why you didn't go to a party or why you are seeing a doctor. It is a more formal way to say 'Ich habe keine Energie' (I have no energy). At this stage, you should know that it is a noun. You can say 'Ich fühle Kraftlosigkeit' (I feel weakness). You might also learn that it's a common symptom when you have the flu (Grippe). It's important to distinguish it from just being sleepy. If you are sleepy, you want to sleep. If you have 'Kraftlosigkeit', your body feels heavy and weak even if you are not sleepy. You can also use it to describe things, like a 'kraftlose Stimme' (a weak voice). Learning this word helps you build your vocabulary for medical visits and describing physical sensations more accurately than just using 'gut' or 'schlecht'.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use more precise vocabulary to describe abstract states and emotions. 'Kraftlosigkeit' is a perfect B1 word because it allows you to describe a specific kind of fatigue that is both physical and mental. You should be able to use it in sentences with prepositions like 'wegen' or 'trotz'. For example: 'Wegen meiner Kraftlosigkeit konnte ich die Wanderung nicht beenden' (Because of my weakness, I couldn't finish the hike). At this level, you also start to see the word used metaphorically. You might read a news article about the 'Kraftlosigkeit der Politik' (the weakness/ineffectiveness of politics). This means the politicians are not doing anything strong or effective. You should also be aware of the word family, including the adjective 'kraftlos' and the verb 'entkräften' (to weaken/refute). Understanding the structure (Kraft + los + igkeit) helps you decode other similar German nouns like 'Hilflosigkeit' (helplessness) or 'Arbeitslosigkeit' (unemployment).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'Kraftlosigkeit' in both professional and academic contexts. You will encounter it in literature, psychology, and health-related texts. You should understand the nuance between 'Kraftlosigkeit' and its synonyms like 'Erschöpfung' (exhaustion) or 'Abgeschlagenheit' (malaise). In a professional setting, you might use it to describe a project that has lost momentum: 'Wir müssen die Kraftlosigkeit in diesem Projekt überwinden.' You are also expected to use correct grammar, such as the genitive case: 'Trotz der Kraftlosigkeit des Patienten...' or 'Die Ursache seiner Kraftlosigkeit ist unbekannt.' You should be able to discuss the social implications of 'Kraftlosigkeit' in the context of burnout and modern work-life balance. It is also a word often used in sports science to describe muscle fatigue. At this level, your use of the word should be natural and correctly placed within the register of the conversation or text.

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At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and stylistic depths of 'Kraftlosigkeit'. You might use it to analyze a character's existential crisis in a novel or to describe the stagnant state of a society in a sociological essay. You should be aware of high-level collocations like 'bleierne Kraftlosigkeit' (leaden weakness) or 'lähmende Kraftlosigkeit' (paralyzing weakness). At this level, you can use the word to describe subtle shifts in tone or power dynamics. For instance, in a debate, you might point out the 'argumentative Kraftlosigkeit' of an opponent, meaning their logic lacks force. You should also be able to recognize the word in complex medical or psychological journals where it might be linked to specific syndromes. Your understanding of the word should include its historical and etymological roots, and you should be able to use it to create vivid, descriptive imagery in your own writing and speaking, moving beyond simple descriptions of health into the realm of abstract concepts and social critique.

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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of 'Kraftlosigkeit'. You understand its use in the finest literary prose, where it might be used to evoke a specific atmosphere of decay, resignation, or spiritual void. You can distinguish the subtle difference between 'Kraftlosigkeit' and 'Hinfälligkeit' (frailty/decrepitude) or 'Lethargie' (lethargy). You might use the word in a critique of art, describing a painting's 'ästhetische Kraftlosigkeit' if it lacks impact. You are also capable of using the word in wordplay or complex rhetorical structures. You understand how the word functions in various dialects or historical texts, and you can use it with absolute grammatical precision, including rare and complex constructions. At this level, 'Kraftlosigkeit' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for nuanced expression that you can wield in any context, from a formal scientific lecture to a deep philosophical discussion about the human condition and the nature of power and vitality.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

die Kraftlosigkeit en 30 secondes

Kraftlosigkeit means weakness or lack of strength.
It is a feminine noun: die Kraftlosigkeit.
It combines 'Kraft' (power), 'los' (without), and '-igkeit' (noun suffix).
It is used for physical illness, burnout, and ineffective political or social actions.

The German noun die Kraftlosigkeit is a sophisticated yet common term that translates to weakness, feebleness, or a total lack of strength. It is a composite word built from three distinct elements: Kraft (power/strength), the suffix -los (without/-less), and the nominalizing suffix -igkeit which turns the adjective kraftlos into an abstract noun. This word is used to describe a state where someone or something lacks the necessary energy to function, move, or exert influence. In German culture, where 'Kraft' is often associated with vitality and productivity, the state of Kraftlosigkeit carries significant weight, often implying a deep physical or psychological depletion rather than just a momentary tiredness.

Physical Context: In a medical or physical sense, it describes the inability of muscles to perform work. Patients might describe a feeling of 'bleierne Kraftlosigkeit' (leaden weakness) when suffering from the flu or chronic fatigue syndrome. It is the sensation that your limbs are too heavy to lift.

Nach der langen Krankheit fühlte er eine tiefe Kraftlosigkeit in seinen Beinen.

Emotional and Mental Context: Metaphorically, it refers to psychological burnout or a lack of motivation. When a person feels they can no longer cope with the demands of life or work, they describe this state as mental Kraftlosigkeit. It is often linked to the modern 'Burnout-Syndrom' where the inner drive is extinguished.

Furthermore, the term can be applied to abstract entities like political movements or arguments. If a political party has no new ideas and cannot mobilize voters, a commentator might speak of the 'politische Kraftlosigkeit' of the leadership. In this sense, it means a lack of impact or effectiveness. It is a very versatile word that bridges the gap between the biological and the metaphorical, making it essential for B1 learners and above who wish to express complex states of being.

Die Argumente des Redners waren von einer gewissen Kraftlosigkeit geprägt.

Social Context: In social circles, admitting to Kraftlosigkeit is often a sign of vulnerability. In Germany, while productivity is valued, there is an increasing awareness of mental health, and using this word can signal a serious need for rest or intervention.

Ihre Kraftlosigkeit war für alle sichtbar, als sie das Projekt aufgab.

Trotz ihrer Kraftlosigkeit versuchte sie, zur Arbeit zu gehen.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Opposition war enttäuschend.

Using die Kraftlosigkeit effectively requires understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun. It is frequently paired with verbs that describe experiencing or overcoming a state. Common verbs include fühlen (to feel), überwinden (to overcome), beklagen (to complain about), and verspüren (to sense/feel). Because it is an abstract noun, it often appears in the singular and is frequently used with possessive pronouns like meine, deine, seine.

Subject of the Sentence: When the noun acts as the subject, it often dictates the atmosphere of the sentence. For example, 'Die Kraftlosigkeit lähmte ihn' (The weakness paralyzed him). Here, the noun is the active force causing the paralysis.

Die allgemeine Kraftlosigkeit im Team führte zu Fehlern.

Prepositional Phrases: The word is often found after prepositions like 'wegen' (because of), 'trotz' (despite), or 'aus' (out of). For instance, 'Er konnte aus Kraftlosigkeit nicht aufstehen' (He couldn't get up out of weakness).

Adjectives play a crucial role in specifying the type of weakness. You might encounter 'körperliche Kraftlosigkeit' (physical weakness) to distinguish it from 'seelische Kraftlosigkeit' (soul-weariness/emotional weakness). In literary contexts, you might see 'existentielle Kraftlosigkeit', describing a profound loss of life purpose. The word is also used in the context of aging, where it describes the natural decline of physical prowess in the elderly.

Seine plötzliche Kraftlosigkeit beunruhigte die Ärzte sehr.

Metaphorical Use: In business or politics, it can describe a lack of power or momentum. 'Die Kraftlosigkeit des Marktes' implies a stagnant economy with no growth potential.

Man spürte die Kraftlosigkeit seiner Argumentation sofort.

Die Kraftlosigkeit ist ein Symptom vieler Krankheiten.

Gegen diese Kraftlosigkeit hilft nur eine lange Ruhepause.

You will encounter Kraftlosigkeit in a variety of real-world settings in German-speaking countries. One of the most common places is in a medical setting. If you visit a German doctor (Hausarzt) and say, 'Ich fühle mich schlapp' (I feel weak/run down), the doctor might record 'allgemeine Kraftlosigkeit' in your medical chart. It is a standard clinical term for malaise or asthenia. In health-related podcasts, magazine articles about wellness, or television segments on nutrition, the word is frequently used to discuss how to combat fatigue through vitamins or lifestyle changes.

In the Media: News anchors and political analysts use the word to critique the government. You might hear: 'Die Kraftlosigkeit der aktuellen Reformen ist offensichtlich.' This implies the reforms lack the 'teeth' or 'energy' to make a real difference.

Der Bericht kritisiert die Kraftlosigkeit der UN-Resolution.

In Literature and Art: German literature, from the Romantics to modern existentialists, often explores the theme of the 'weak individual'. Authors use Kraftlosigkeit to describe a character's inability to fight against fate or societal pressure. It conveys a sense of melancholy and defeat.

Furthermore, in the workplace, during performance reviews or team meetings, a manager might notice a certain 'Kraftlosigkeit' in the department’s output. This isn't just about being slow; it’s about a lack of 'drive' (Elan). It's a word that suggests the engine is running out of fuel. In religious or spiritual contexts, it might refer to a 'Kraftlosigkeit des Glaubens' (weakness of faith), where a believer feels disconnected from their spiritual source.

Die Musik drückte eine tiefe, melancholische Kraftlosigkeit aus.

Everyday Conversations: While 'müde' is the go-to word for being tired, 'Kraftlosigkeit' is what you use when you want to explain why you can't even carry the grocery bags or why you've been sitting on the sofa for three hours without moving.

Seine Kraftlosigkeit am Morgen ist besorgniserregend.

Das Medikament half gegen die chronische Kraftlosigkeit.

Die Kraftlosigkeit seiner Stimme verriet seine Angst.

One of the primary mistakes English speakers make when using die Kraftlosigkeit is confusing it with more general terms like Müdigkeit (tiredness) or Schwäche (weakness). While they are related, Kraftlosigkeit specifically emphasizes the absence of 'Kraft' (power/energy). If you are just sleepy because you didn't sleep well, use Müdigkeit. If you feel like your body has no battery left, use Kraftlosigkeit. Another common error is grammatical: using the adjective kraftlos when a noun is required, or vice versa.

Confusion with 'Schwäche': 'Schwäche' can refer to a character flaw (e.g., 'meine Schwäche für Schokolade') or a general lack of strength. 'Kraftlosigkeit' is more about the state of being drained. You wouldn't say 'meine Kraftlosigkeit für Schokolade'.

Falsch: Meine Kraftlosigkeit ist Kaffee. (Correct: Meine Schwäche ist Kaffee.)

Article and Gender Errors: Learners often forget that all nouns ending in -keit are feminine. Using 'der' or 'das' with Kraftlosigkeit is a frequent mistake. Always remember: die Kraftlosigkeit.

Another mistake involves the preposition 'von'. While you can say 'eine Mischung von...', with Kraftlosigkeit, it is more common to use the genitive or 'vor' (out of). For example, 'zittern vor Kraftlosigkeit' (to tremble out of weakness) is correct, while 'zittern von Kraftlosigkeit' sounds slightly 'off' in many contexts. Also, be careful with the plural. Although 'Kraftlosigkeiten' exists theoretically, it is almost never used. Stick to the singular form to describe the condition.

Richtig: Er zitterte vor Kraftlosigkeit.

Word Order with 'wegen': When using 'wegen', ensure the genitive is used in formal writing: 'Wegen der Kraftlosigkeit...'. In spoken German, the dative 'Wegen der Kraftlosigkeit' is common, but 'Wegen meiner Kraftlosigkeit' (genitive) is the gold standard.

Wegen seiner Kraftlosigkeit konnte er nicht am Training teilnehmen.

Die Kraftlosigkeit war nach dem Marathon extrem.

Sie fühlte eine Kraftlosigkeit, die sie noch nie zuvor gespürt hatte.

To truly master German, you need to know when to use Kraftlosigkeit and when to choose a synonym that fits the context better. German is a language of nuances, and there are several words that describe 'lack of strength' with different shades of meaning. The most common synonym is Schwäche, which is more general. Erschöpfung (exhaustion) implies that the strength was used up, whereas Kraftlosigkeit might just be a state of not having any to begin with.

Kraftlosigkeit vs. Erschöpfung: 'Erschöpfung' is the result of effort (e.g., after a race). 'Kraftlosigkeit' can occur without effort, such as due to illness or depression. You are 'erschöpft' because you did something; you are 'kraftlos' because you lack energy.

Seine Kraftlosigkeit war chronisch, nicht nur eine temporäre Erschöpfung.

Mattigkeit and Abgeschlagenheit: 'Mattigkeit' is a softer, more poetic word for feeling languid or weary. 'Abgeschlagenheit' is often used in medical contexts to describe the 'beaten down' feeling one gets at the start of a cold.

In formal or scientific writing, you might encounter Adynamie or Asthenie, which are the Greek-derived technical terms for Kraftlosigkeit. In contrast, in very informal slang, you might hear 'Saftlosigkeit' (literally: juicelessness), implying someone has no 'juice' or energy left. Another alternative is Energielosigkeit, which is virtually synonymous with Kraftlosigkeit but sounds slightly more modern and 'technical'.

Die Kraftlosigkeit des Marktes erinnert an die Krise von 2008.

Comparison Table

Kraftlosigkeit: General lack of power (physical/mental).
Schwäche: Broad term for any kind of weakness.
Erschöpfung: Being 'used up' after activity.
Antriebslosigkeit: Lack of psychological drive/motivation.

Trotz der Kraftlosigkeit gab er nicht auf.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Argumente war peinlich.

Er versuchte, seine Kraftlosigkeit zu verbergen.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"Die klinische Untersuchung ergab eine allgemeine Kraftlosigkeit."

Neutre

"Wegen meiner Kraftlosigkeit konnte ich nicht kommen."

Informel

"Diese Kraftlosigkeit nervt mich total."

Child friendly

"Der kleine Bär fühlte eine große Kraftlosigkeit und legte sich schlafen."

Argot

"Voll die Kraftlosigkeit heute, echt krass."

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'craft' and the German word 'Kraft' share the same root, but their meanings have diverged. In English, 'craft' became about skill and trade, while in German, 'Kraft' remained focused on raw power and energy.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈkʁaftloːzɪçkaɪ̯t/

US /ˈkʁaftloʊzɪçkaɪ̯t/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'KRAFT'.

Rime avec

Arbeitslosigkeit Hilflosigkeit Nutzlosigkeit Aussichtslosigkeit Gefühllosigkeit Rücksichtslosigkeit Schlaflosigkeit Tatenlosigkeit

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'los' with a short 'o' like in English 'loss'. It should be a long 'o'.
Hardening the 'ch' in '-igkeit' to a 'k' sound. It should be soft.
Forgetting to stress the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'ei' in 'keit' like 'ee'. It should sound like 'eye'.
Missing the 't' at the very end.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'Kraft' and '-los'.

Écriture 4/5

Spelling '-igkeit' and using the correct article is key.

Expression orale 4/5

Long word, requires good flow and correct pronunciation of 'ch'.

Écoute 3/5

Clear suffixes make it easy to identify as a noun.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

die Kraft los müde krank die Hilfe

Apprends ensuite

die Erschöpfung die Hilflosigkeit die Arbeitslosigkeit entkräften die Antriebslosigkeit

Avancé

die Asthenie die Lethargie die Hinfälligkeit die Resignation die Stagnation

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns ending in -keit are always feminine.

Die Kraftlosigkeit, die Einsamkeit, die Höflichkeit.

The suffix -los creates adjectives meaning 'without'.

Kraftlos (without strength), schlaflos (without sleep), arbeitslos (without work).

Genitive case with 'wegen' and 'trotz'.

Wegen der Kraftlosigkeit (Because of the weakness).

Nominalization of adjectives.

Adjective: kraftlos -> Noun: die Kraftlosigkeit.

Compound noun structure.

Willens (will) + kraft (strength) + los (less) + igkeit (ness) = Willenskraftlosigkeit.

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Exemples par niveau

Ich fühle eine große Kraftlosigkeit.

I feel a great weakness.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Die Kraftlosigkeit macht mich traurig.

The weakness makes me sad.

Noun as subject.

Hast du auch Kraftlosigkeit?

Do you also have weakness?

Question form.

Ohne Kraft ist es Kraftlosigkeit.

Without strength, it is weakness.

Definition-style sentence.

Meine Kraftlosigkeit ist heute schlimm.

My weakness is bad today.

Possessive pronoun + noun.

Sie geht wegen der Kraftlosigkeit zum Arzt.

She is going to the doctor because of the weakness.

Use of 'wegen' with dative (common in A1/A2).

Kraftlosigkeit ist nicht gut.

Weakness is not good.

Simple statement.

Ich brauche Hilfe bei der Kraftlosigkeit.

I need help with the weakness.

Prepositional phrase 'bei der'.

Nach dem Sport spürte er eine plötzliche Kraftlosigkeit.

After sports, he felt a sudden weakness.

Adjective 'plötzliche' modifying the noun.

Die Kraftlosigkeit in den Armen ist ein Problem.

The weakness in the arms is a problem.

Specifying the location of the weakness.

Gegen Kraftlosigkeit hilft oft viel Schlaf.

Lots of sleep often helps against weakness.

Preposition 'gegen'.

Seine Kraftlosigkeit kommt von der Grippe.

His weakness comes from the flu.

Explaining the cause.

Haben Sie Tabletten gegen Kraftlosigkeit?

Do you have tablets against weakness?

Polite inquiry.

Die Kraftlosigkeit war gestern weg.

The weakness was gone yesterday.

Past tense 'war'.

Ich kann wegen der Kraftlosigkeit nicht arbeiten.

I cannot work because of the weakness.

Modal verb 'kann' with 'wegen'.

Trinken Sie Wasser bei Kraftlosigkeit.

Drink water when experiencing weakness.

Imperative form.

Trotz seiner Kraftlosigkeit beendete er die Arbeit.

Despite his weakness, he finished the work.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Argumente überzeugte niemanden.

The weakness of the arguments convinced no one.

Metaphorical use in an argumentative context.

Sie leidet seit Wochen an einer unerklärlichen Kraftlosigkeit.

She has been suffering from an inexplicable weakness for weeks.

Verb 'leiden an' + dative.

Die Kraftlosigkeit ist ein typisches Symptom für Burnout.

Weakness is a typical symptom of burnout.

Linking a condition to a symptom.

Man muss die Ursache der Kraftlosigkeit finden.

One must find the cause of the weakness.

Genitive case 'der Kraftlosigkeit'.

Diese Kraftlosigkeit hindert mich am normalen Leben.

This weakness prevents me from living a normal life.

Verb 'hindern an' + dative.

Nach der Operation war die Kraftlosigkeit normal.

After the surgery, the weakness was normal.

Contextualizing the state.

Die Kraftlosigkeit verschwand nach dem Urlaub.

The weakness disappeared after the vacation.

Verb 'verschwinden'.

Die politische Kraftlosigkeit der Regierung wird oft kritisiert.

The political weakness of the government is often criticized.

Abstract noun with compound adjective.

Das Medikament soll die chronische Kraftlosigkeit lindern.

The medication is supposed to alleviate the chronic weakness.

Use of 'soll' (supposed to) and 'lindern' (alleviate).

Viele Patienten klagen über eine bleierne Kraftlosigkeit.

Many patients complain of a leaden weakness.

Specific idiomatic adjective 'bleiern'.

Die Kraftlosigkeit des Marktes bremst das Wachstum.

The weakness of the market slows down growth.

Economic context.

Er versuchte, seine Kraftlosigkeit durch eisernen Willen zu verbergen.

He tried to hide his weakness through iron will.

Complex sentence with 'durch' and 'zu' infinitive.

Die Kraftlosigkeit war das Resultat monatelanger Überarbeitung.

The weakness was the result of months of overwork.

Genitive attribute 'monatelanger Überarbeitung'.

Eine gewisse Kraftlosigkeit in der Stimme war nicht zu überhören.

A certain weakness in the voice could not be ignored.

Passive substitute 'war nicht zu überhören'.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Opposition lässt die Regierung gewähren.

The weakness of the opposition allows the government to proceed as it wishes.

Political terminology.

Die existentielle Kraftlosigkeit des Protagonisten zieht sich durch den Roman.

The existential weakness of the protagonist runs through the novel.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

Es herrschte eine lähmende Kraftlosigkeit in der gesamten Organisation.

There was a paralyzing weakness throughout the entire organization.

Verb 'herrschen' used for abstract states.

Die Kraftlosigkeit seiner Argumentation offenbarte einen Mangel an Vorbereitung.

The weakness of his argumentation revealed a lack of preparation.

Sophisticated verb 'offenbaren'.

Seine Kraftlosigkeit rührte von einer tiefen inneren Resignation her.

His weakness stemmed from a deep inner resignation.

Phrasal verb 'herrühren von'.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Institutionen gefährdet die Demokratie.

The weakness of the institutions endangers democracy.

Formal political analysis.

Trotz der offensichtlichen Kraftlosigkeit hielt er an seinem Plan fest.

Despite the obvious weakness, he stuck to his plan.

Concessive clause with 'trotz'.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Farben im Bild erzeugt eine melancholische Stimmung.

The weakness of the colors in the picture creates a melancholic mood.

Art criticism context.

Sie kämpfte gegen die aufkommende Kraftlosigkeit an.

She fought against the rising weakness.

Separable verb 'ankämpfen gegen'.

Die Kraftlosigkeit des Geistes ist oft Vorbote physischen Verfalls.

The weakness of the spirit is often a harbinger of physical decay.

Philosophical aphorism style.

In der Kraftlosigkeit seiner Geste lag eine rührende Hilflosigkeit.

In the weakness of his gesture lay a touching helplessness.

Nuanced literary description.

Die strukturelle Kraftlosigkeit des Systems wurde durch die Krise gnadenlos entlarvt.

The structural weakness of the system was mercilessly exposed by the crisis.

Passive voice with 'entlarven'.

Es ist die Kraftlosigkeit der Worte, die in Momenten tiefer Trauer am schwersten wiegt.

It is the weakness of words that weighs heaviest in moments of deep grief.

Relative clause with 'die'.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Reformbemühungen zeugt von einem Mangel an politischem Willen.

The weakness of the reform efforts testifies to a lack of political will.

Verb 'zeugen von'.

Jenseits aller Kraftlosigkeit glimmte noch ein Funke Hoffnung.

Beyond all weakness, a spark of hope still glimmered.

Preposition 'jenseits' with genitive.

Die Kraftlosigkeit des Arguments resultiert aus einer fehlerhaften Prämisse.

The weakness of the argument results from a flawed premise.

Logical/Academic discourse.

Seine vermeintliche Kraftlosigkeit war in Wahrheit eine strategische List.

His supposed weakness was in truth a strategic ruse.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'vermeintlich' and 'List'.

Collocations courantes

bleierne Kraftlosigkeit

körperliche Kraftlosigkeit

seelische Kraftlosigkeit

politische Kraftlosigkeit

lähmende Kraftlosigkeit

über Kraftlosigkeit klagen

Kraftlosigkeit überwinden

Gefühl der Kraftlosigkeit

wegen Kraftlosigkeit

plötzliche Kraftlosigkeit

Phrases Courantes

an Kraftlosigkeit leiden

— To suffer from weakness. Often used in medical contexts.

Sie leidet an chronischer Kraftlosigkeit.

aus Kraftlosigkeit

— Out of weakness. Explains the reason for an action or state.

Er ließ das Glas aus Kraftlosigkeit fallen.

Anzeichen von Kraftlosigkeit

— Signs of weakness. Used to describe observations of a decline.

Es gibt erste Anzeichen von Kraftlosigkeit im Team.

totale Kraftlosigkeit

— Total weakness. Emphasizes the severity of the state.

Nach der Grippe fühlte ich eine totale Kraftlosigkeit.

Kraftlosigkeit verspüren

— To feel or sense weakness.

Ich verspüre eine gewisse Kraftlosigkeit in den Beinen.

die Kraftlosigkeit bekämpfen

— To fight against the weakness.

Vitamine können helfen, die Kraftlosigkeit zu bekämpfen.

innere Kraftlosigkeit

— Inner weakness. Refers to psychological or spiritual depletion.

Seine innere Kraftlosigkeit war für andere unsichtbar.

Kraftlosigkeit der Argumente

— Weakness of arguments. Used in debates and logic.

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Argumente war offensichtlich.

Kraftlosigkeit am Morgen

— Morning weakness. A specific time-based symptom.

Kraftlosigkeit am Morgen kann auf Eisenmangel hindeuten.

vor Kraftlosigkeit zittern

— To tremble out of weakness.

Seine Hände zitterten vor Kraftlosigkeit.

Souvent confondu avec

die Kraftlosigkeit vs die Schwäche

Schwäche is general; Kraftlosigkeit is specifically about energy depletion.

die Kraftlosigkeit vs die Müdigkeit

Müdigkeit means you want to sleep; Kraftlosigkeit means your body has no power.

die Kraftlosigkeit vs die Hilflosigkeit

Hilflosigkeit means you don't know what to do; Kraftlosigkeit means you can't do anything.

Expressions idiomatiques

"am Ende seiner Kräfte sein"

— To be at the end of one's strength. Related to the state of Kraftlosigkeit.

Nach der Schicht war er am Ende seiner Kräfte.

neutral

"keinen Saft mehr haben"

— To have no juice (energy) left. Informal way to describe Kraftlosigkeit.

Ich kann nicht mehr, ich habe keinen Saft mehr.

informal

"wie ein nasser Sack"

— Like a wet sack. Describes someone showing extreme Kraftlosigkeit.

Er hing wie ein nasser Sack im Sessel.

informal

"die Flügel hängen lassen"

— To let the wings hang. To be discouraged or weak.

Lass jetzt nicht die Flügel hängen!

neutral/idiomatic

"auf dem Zahnfleisch gehen"

— To walk on one's gums. To be extremely exhausted/weak.

Nach den Überstunden gehe ich auf dem Zahnfleisch.

informal

"die Puste geht aus"

— Running out of breath/steam. Used for physical or metaphorical Kraftlosigkeit.

Dem Projekt geht langsam die Puste aus.

informal

"ausgebrannt sein"

— To be burned out. Describes the mental state of Kraftlosigkeit.

Er fühlt sich völlig ausgebrannt.

neutral

"kraftlos zusammensinken"

— To collapse weakly. Describes the physical action of weakness.

Er sank kraftlos auf den Boden zusammen.

literary

"alle Viere von sich strecken"

— To stretch out all four (limbs). To collapse in total weakness/exhaustion.

Er streckte alle Viere von sich und schlief ein.

informal

"keinen Finger mehr rühren können"

— To not be able to move a finger. Extreme Kraftlosigkeit.

Ich bin so müde, ich kann keinen Finger mehr rühren.

informal

Facile à confondre

die Kraftlosigkeit vs Kraftlosigkeit

Sounds like 'Krankheit'.

Kraftlosigkeit is a specific feeling of weakness; Krankheit is the illness itself.

Die Kraftlosigkeit ist ein Symptom der Krankheit.

die Kraftlosigkeit vs Schwäche

Both translate to 'weakness'.

Schwäche can be a permanent character trait; Kraftlosigkeit is usually a temporary or medical state.

Schokolade ist meine Schwäche.

die Kraftlosigkeit vs Mattigkeit

Similar meaning.

Mattigkeit is more 'tired and heavy'; Kraftlosigkeit is 'no power'.

Nach dem Bad fühlte er eine wohlige Mattigkeit.

die Kraftlosigkeit vs Erschöpfung

Both involve lack of energy.

Erschöpfung implies you worked hard; Kraftlosigkeit can happen while doing nothing.

Erschöpfung nach der Arbeit.

die Kraftlosigkeit vs Lethargie

Both involve inactivity.

Lethargie is more about mental indifference; Kraftlosigkeit is about the lack of strength to act.

Seine Lethargie verhinderte jede Veränderung.

Structures de phrases

Ich habe [Noun].

Ich habe eine große Kraftlosigkeit.

Wegen [Genitive Noun] kann ich nicht [Verb].

Wegen der Kraftlosigkeit kann ich nicht spazieren gehen.

Er leidet an [Dative Noun].

Er leidet an einer chronischen Kraftlosigkeit.

Die [Adjective] Kraftlosigkeit führt zu [Dative Noun].

Die politische Kraftlosigkeit führt zu großem Unmut.

Es ist wichtig, die [Noun] zu [Verb].

Es ist wichtig, die Kraftlosigkeit zu bekämpfen.

In der [Noun] liegt eine gewisse [Noun].

In der Kraftlosigkeit seiner Worte liegt eine gewisse Ironie.

[Noun] rührt von [Dative Noun] her.

Die Kraftlosigkeit rührt von einem Mangel an Vitaminen her.

Jenseits aller [Genitive Noun]...

Jenseits aller Kraftlosigkeit blieb er standhaft.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in health, politics, and psychological discussions.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'der' or 'das' Kraftlosigkeit. → die Kraftlosigkeit
All nouns ending in -keit are feminine. This is a fixed rule in German grammar.
Confusing 'Kraftlosigkeit' with 'Müdigkeit'. → Use 'Müdigkeit' for sleepiness, 'Kraftlosigkeit' for lack of strength.
Müdigkeit means you need sleep. Kraftlosigkeit means your body or mind feels drained of power.
Saying 'Ich bin Kraftlosigkeit'. → Ich bin kraftlos (adjective) OR Ich fühle Kraftlosigkeit (noun).
You cannot 'be' a noun in this context. You must use the adjective form 'kraftlos' or a verb like 'fühlen'.
Pronouncing 'los' with a short 'o'. → Pronounce 'los' with a long 'o' like in 'go'.
A short 'o' changes the sound and makes the word harder for natives to recognize.
Using 'von' instead of the genitive in formal writing. → Die Kraftlosigkeit des Patienten (Genitive).
While 'von' is common in speech, the genitive is expected in professional and academic German.

Astuces

Always Feminine

Remember the -keit rule: every noun ending in -keit is feminine. This saves you from guessing the article.

Nuance Matters

Use 'Kraftlosigkeit' when you want to sound more serious than just 'müde' (tired). It suggests a deeper lack of resources.

Collocations

Learn the phrase 'bleierne Kraftlosigkeit'. It's a very common and descriptive way to say 'leaden weakness'.

Pronunciation

Focus on the long 'o' in 'los'. If you say it short, it sounds like the English word 'loss', which is wrong.

Medical Use

If you go to a German doctor, use this word to describe the feeling of having no physical energy.

Kraft-Lost-Ness

Think of it as 'Power-Lost-Ness'. Kraft (power) + los (lost/without) + igkeit (ness).

Metaphorical Use

Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things like 'die Kraftlosigkeit der Argumente' (the weakness of the arguments).

Suffix Recognition

Training your ear to recognize '-losigkeit' will help you understand many other nouns like 'Arbeitslosigkeit'.

Mental Health

In modern Germany, 'Kraftlosigkeit' is often used in the context of burnout discussions. It's a socially recognized state.

Prepositions

Remember to use 'wegen' with the genitive case in formal writing: 'Wegen der Kraftlosigkeit'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Craft' (Kraft) that is 'Lost' (los). If you lose your craft/power, you are in a state of Kraft-los-igkeit.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant battery icon that is completely red and empty. The empty battery represents the 'loss' of 'Kraft'.

Word Web

Kraft Schwäche müde Batterie Burnout Krankheit Energie Muskeln

Défi

Try to use 'Kraftlosigkeit' in a sentence describing how you feel after a 10-hour flight or a very long exam.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old High German 'chraft' (strength/power), which is related to the English word 'craft' (originally meaning strength or skill). The suffix '-los' comes from Proto-Germanic '*lausaz' (loose/free from), and '-igkeit' is a standard German suffix used to form abstract nouns from adjectives ending in '-ig'.

Sens originel : The state of being loose or free from strength.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be sensitive when using this word about others; it can sound like a clinical diagnosis if used out of context.

English speakers often use 'weakness', but 'Kraftlosigkeit' feels more substantial and medical in German. It isn't just a 'weak spot' (which is 'Schwäche').

Nietzsche's 'Wille zur Macht' (Will to Power) is the philosophical opposite of Kraftlosigkeit. Kafka's characters often suffer from a profound existential Kraftlosigkeit. Modern German pop songs often use the term to describe heartbreak.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Doctor

Ich leide an Kraftlosigkeit.
Wann fing die Kraftlosigkeit an?
Haben Sie auch Schmerzen?
Die Kraftlosigkeit ist ständig da.

In a Job Interview (discussing challenges)

Wir müssen Kraftlosigkeit im Team vermeiden.
Motivation besiegt Kraftlosigkeit.
Wie gehen Sie mit Phasen der Kraftlosigkeit um?
Das Projekt darf nicht an Kraftlosigkeit scheitern.

Sports and Training

Ich spüre Kraftlosigkeit in den Beinen.
Die Kraftlosigkeit kam nach Kilometer 30.
Gegen Kraftlosigkeit hilft Magnesium.
Er musste wegen Kraftlosigkeit aufgeben.

Political Discussion

Die Kraftlosigkeit der Opposition ist ein Problem.
Man spürt die Kraftlosigkeit der Argumente.
Die Reform zeigt eine gewisse Kraftlosigkeit.
Kraftlosigkeit führt zu politischem Stillstand.

Psychology/Well-being

Kraftlosigkeit ist oft ein Zeichen für Stress.
Wie kann man die innere Kraftlosigkeit überwinden?
Burnout beginnt oft mit Kraftlosigkeit.
Ruhe hilft gegen die seelische Kraftlosigkeit.

Amorces de conversation

"Hast du dich jemals so richtig von Kraftlosigkeit gelähmt gefühlt?"

"Was tust du normalerweise gegen eine plötzliche Kraftlosigkeit am Nachmittag?"

"Glaubst du, dass Kraftlosigkeit eher ein körperliches oder ein geistiges Problem ist?"

"Wie kann ein Unternehmen die Kraftlosigkeit seiner Mitarbeiter verhindern?"

"Kennst du ein gutes Hausmittel gegen allgemeine Kraftlosigkeit?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen Moment in deinem Leben, in dem du eine tiefe Kraftlosigkeit gespürt hast. Wie bist du damit umgegangen?

Reflektiere über die 'Kraftlosigkeit' in der heutigen Gesellschaft. Wo siehst du sie am meisten?

Schreibe über den Unterschied zwischen einfacher Müdigkeit und echter Kraftlosigkeit.

Wenn Kraftlosigkeit eine Farbe oder ein Wetter wäre, wie würde sie aussehen?

Was sind deine drei besten Strategien, um aus einem Zustand der Kraftlosigkeit wieder Energie zu schöpfen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it can be used metaphorically for mental states, political situations, or the strength of an argument. For example, 'die Kraftlosigkeit seiner Worte' refers to weak speech.

It is pronounced with a soft 'ich-Laut' (like a hiss) for the 'ig' and a clear 'k-eye-t' for the 'keit'. Avoid making a hard 'k' sound in the middle.

While 'Kraftlosigkeiten' is grammatically possible, it is extremely rare. It is almost always used in the singular to describe the state or condition.

'Kraftlos' is the adjective (e.g., 'Ich bin kraftlos'), while 'Kraftlosigkeit' is the noun (e.g., 'Ich fühle eine Kraftlosigkeit').

It is common but slightly more formal than saying 'Ich bin müde'. You will hear it often in health discussions or news reports.

It is feminine: die Kraftlosigkeit. All nouns ending in -keit are feminine.

Not exactly. Helplessness is 'Hilflosigkeit'. However, they are related because being very weak often makes you feel helpless.

Common adjectives include 'bleiern' (leaden), 'lähmend' (paralyzing), 'plötzliche' (sudden), and 'chronische' (chronic).

Yes, to describe a lack of momentum in a market or a project. For example, 'Die Kraftlosigkeit des Absatzmarktes' (The weakness of the sales market).

You can say: 'Ich verspüre eine gewisse Kraftlosigkeit' or 'Ich leide an Kraftlosigkeit'.

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