mühsam 30秒で
- Describes tasks or processes requiring significant effort and time.
- Implies difficulty, labor, and slow progress.
- Use when something is not easily achieved.
- Synonyms include 'schwierig', 'anstrengend', 'langwierig'.
- German Word
- mühsam
- Part of Speech
- Adjective
- CEFR Level
- B1
- English Definition
- laboriously, with difficulty, requiring much effort
The German adjective 'mühsam' describes something that is done or achieved with great effort, difficulty, or painstaking work. It implies that a significant amount of energy, time, or perseverance was needed to complete a task or overcome an obstacle. It's not just about being difficult, but about the *process* of doing something being arduous. Think of a slow, challenging climb up a steep mountain, or a complex project that requires constant attention and hard work. 'Mühsam' captures that feeling of exertion and the lack of ease involved.
You'll often hear 'mühsam' used to describe physical tasks that are demanding, like carrying heavy loads over a long distance, or manual labor that takes a toll. It can also describe mental or emotional challenges, such as studying for a very difficult exam, or trying to resolve a complicated interpersonal conflict. The word emphasizes the strain and the slow progress that often characterizes such situations. It suggests that the outcome, while perhaps ultimately rewarding, was not easily attained. It’s a word that acknowledges the struggle involved in achieving something worthwhile.
Consider the difference between a simple task and a 'mühsam' one. Making a cup of tea is usually not 'mühsam'. However, building a large piece of furniture from scratch, with many intricate parts and requiring precise measurements and assembly, could definitely be described as 'mühsam'. Similarly, learning a new, complex skill, like playing a difficult musical instrument or mastering a challenging coding language, involves 'mühsame' practice sessions. The effort is palpable, and the progress might seem slow at times, but the dedication to the task is what defines it as 'mühsam'.
The word carries a sense of endurance and persistence. When someone describes their work or a project as 'mühsam', they are often highlighting their dedication and the sheer amount of effort they have put in. It’s a recognition of the non-trivial nature of the endeavor. It can also be used to describe a slow and tedious process, like waiting for a document to be processed by bureaucracy, or for a plant to grow. The feeling is one of slow, difficult progress, where each step requires significant attention and effort. It’s the opposite of quick, easy, or effortless.
The adjective can also be applied to abstract concepts. For instance, achieving peace or reconciliation between warring factions can be a 'mühsamer Prozess' (laborious process). The word evokes the painstaking negotiations, the compromises, and the slow rebuilding of trust that are necessary for such outcomes. It’s about the journey being demanding, not necessarily the destination itself. The effort involved is the key characteristic. Therefore, when you encounter 'mühsam', think of effort, difficulty, and a process that demands significant exertion.
Die Reparatur des alten Hauses war eine mühsame Arbeit.
Das Erlernen der neuen Sprache ist ein mühsamer Prozess, aber ich bin entschlossen.
- Key Usage
- Describes tasks, processes, or achievements that require significant effort, time, and perseverance due to their inherent difficulty or complexity.
- Emotional Connotation
- Often carries a sense of weariness or strain, but also respect for the effort involved and the perseverance of the person undertaking the task.
Der Weg durch den dichten Wald war lang und mühsam.
The adjective 'mühsam' is typically used to modify nouns that describe a task, process, effort, or situation. It can appear before the noun it modifies (attributive position) or after a linking verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become) (predicative position).
Attributive Use (before the noun):
When 'mühsam' comes before a noun, it agrees in gender, number, and case with that noun. For example:
Er hat eine mühsame Reise hinter sich.
Translation: He has had a laborious journey behind him.
Das war eine mühsame Aufgabe für uns.
Translation: That was a difficult task for us.
Predicative Use (after a linking verb):
When 'mühsam' follows a linking verb like 'sein', it does not change its form. It describes the subject of the sentence.
Die Bergwanderung war sehr mühsam.
Translation: The mountain hike was very arduous.
Der Fortschritt in den Verhandlungen ist langsam und mühsam.
Translation: The progress in the negotiations is slow and laborious.
With Adverbs:
'Mühsam' can be intensified with adverbs like 'sehr' (very), 'ziemlich' (quite), or 'ungemein' (immensely).
Die Suche nach dem verlorenen Schlüssel war ungemein mühsam.
Translation: The search for the lost key was immensely difficult.
As part of a phrase:
It frequently appears in phrases describing effort.
- Phrase
- sich mühsam durchschlagen
Meaning: to struggle through, to make a difficult living.
Viele Künstler müssen sich in der Stadt mühsam durchschlagen.
Translation: Many artists have to struggle to make a living in the city.
- Phrase
- etwas mühsam erledigen
Meaning: to finish something with great effort.
Er erledigte die Steuererklärung mühsam am Abend.
Translation: He laboriously finished the tax return in the evening.
Die Sammlung aller Daten war ein mühsamer Prozess.
Das Aufstehen nach der Krankheit fiel ihm mühsam.
Die Verhandlungen zogen sich mühsam hin.
You'll encounter the word 'mühsam' in a variety of everyday and more formal contexts in German-speaking countries. Its usage often reflects an appreciation for effort and an acknowledgment of difficulty.
Everyday Conversations:
In casual conversations, people might use 'mühsam' to describe personal challenges or household tasks. For instance, someone might complain about a 'mühsame' chore like scrubbing a stubborn stain, or the 'mühsame' process of assembling flat-pack furniture. If a parent is describing their toddler's tantrum phase, they might say it's a 'mühsame Zeit' (difficult time).
Ach, diese Steuererklärung ist jedes Jahr wieder so mühsam!
Translation: Oh, this tax return is so laborious every year!
Work and Professional Settings:
In the workplace, 'mühsam' is used to describe challenging projects, tedious data entry, or difficult client negotiations. A manager might tell their team that a particular task is 'mühsam' but necessary for the project's success. Researchers might describe the 'mühsame' process of collecting and analyzing data. It's a way to acknowledge the difficulty without necessarily being negative, often implying that the effort is valued.
Die Recherche für dieses Buch war äußerst mühsam.
Translation: The research for this book was extremely laborious.
News and Media:
Journalists and commentators use 'mühsam' to describe complex political processes, economic challenges, or social issues. For example, a news report might discuss the 'mühsame' process of forming a coalition government after an election, or the 'mühsame' efforts to combat climate change. It lends a sense of gravity and highlights the significant effort required.
Die Aufarbeitung der historischen Ereignisse ist ein mühsamer Prozess.
Literature and Formal Writing:
In literature, 'mühsam' can be used to paint a vivid picture of characters enduring hardship or facing daunting tasks. It adds depth to descriptions of struggle and perseverance. In more formal writing, it's used to accurately convey the difficulty of a particular undertaking, such as scientific research or historical analysis.
Er fand den Weg durch das Dickicht mühsam.
Travel and Descriptions:
When describing travel, especially to remote or challenging locations, 'mühsam' can be used. For instance, a trek through a desert or a climb up a steep mountain might be described as 'mühsam'. It conveys the physical exertion and the slow, difficult nature of the journey.
Die Restaurierung der alten Fresken war eine mühsame Arbeit.
- Common Scenarios
- Describing physical labor, complex problem-solving, tedious administrative tasks, challenging journeys, and slow, difficult progress in any field.
Das Zurechtschneiden des Holzes für das Modell war mühsam.
When learning 'mühsam', English speakers might make a few common errors related to its meaning, usage, and grammatical form. Being aware of these can help you use the word more accurately.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 'mühsam' with simply 'difficult' or 'hard'.
- While 'mühsam' implies difficulty, its core meaning is about the *effort* and *labor* involved. A task can be difficult but quick, whereas 'mühsam' suggests a prolonged or strenuous process. For example, a difficult math problem might be solved quickly if you know the trick, but it wouldn't be 'mühsam'. A long, slow climb up a mountain, however, is definitely 'mühsam'.
- Mistake 2: Incorrect grammatical declension.
- As an adjective, 'mühsam' needs to agree with the noun it modifies when used attributively (before the noun). A common mistake is to forget the correct endings. For instance, saying 'ein mühsam Arbeit' instead of the correct 'eine mühsame Arbeit' (a laborious work). Remember the standard adjective endings in German.
- Mistake 3: Overusing 'mühsam' for simple inconveniences.
- 'Mühsam' implies a significant level of effort. Using it for minor annoyances, like a slightly slow internet connection, might sound like an exaggeration. While it can be used humorously, its primary meaning is for genuinely arduous tasks.
- Mistake 4: Confusing with 'müde' (tired).
- The words sound similar but have different meanings. 'Müde' means tired, while 'mühsam' means laborious or difficult. A 'mühsame' task can make you 'müde', but they are not interchangeable. For example, 'Ich fühle mich mühsam' (I feel laborious) is incorrect; it should be 'Ich fühle mich müde' (I feel tired).
- Mistake 5: Using it as an adverb incorrectly.
- While 'mühsam' can function adverbially in predicative use (e.g., 'Die Arbeit war mühsam'), it's not typically used as a standalone adverb modifying a verb in the same way as English adverbs. For instance, you wouldn't say 'Er arbeitet mühsam' to mean 'He works laboriously' in all contexts; sometimes 'mit viel Mühe' (with much effort) is more natural. However, in predicative use, it functions adverbially to describe the state of the subject.
Incorrect: Das war eine mühsam Arbeit. Correct: Das war eine mühsame Arbeit.
Incorrect: Ich fühle mich mühsam. Correct: Ich fühle mich müde.
While 'mühsam' is a useful word, German offers several alternatives that can convey similar or nuanced meanings depending on the context. Understanding these distinctions will enrich your vocabulary.
- 1. Schwierig
- Meaning: Difficult, hard.
- Comparison: 'Schwierig' is a more general term for difficulty. Something can be 'schwierig' without necessarily being 'mühsam'. For example, a complex theoretical problem might be 'schwierig' but not require physical labor. 'Mühsam' emphasizes the effort and time involved in overcoming the difficulty.
- Example: 'Die Aufgabe war schwierig.' (The task was difficult.) vs. 'Die Aufgabe war mühsam.' (The task was laborious.)
- 2. Anstrengend
- Meaning: Strenuous, exhausting, demanding.
- Comparison: 'Anstrengend' focuses on the physical or mental exertion required. It often implies that the activity leads to fatigue. 'Mühsam' can be 'anstrengend', but 'mühsam' specifically highlights the slow, difficult, and painstaking nature of the process. An intense sprint is 'anstrengend' but not necessarily 'mühsam'. A long, slow hike up a steep incline is both 'anstrengend' and 'mühsam'.
- Example: 'Das Rennen war sehr anstrengend.' (The race was very strenuous.) vs. 'Der Aufbau des Möbelstücks war mühsam und anstrengend.' (The assembly of the furniture was laborious and strenuous.)
- 3. Langwierig
- Meaning: Lengthy, time-consuming, tedious.
- Comparison: 'Langwierig' focuses on the duration and slow pace of a process. A 'langwierig' process can also be 'mühsam', but a process can be 'langwierig' without being particularly difficult or requiring immense effort, just taking a long time. For example, waiting for a bureaucratic process to complete can be 'langwierig'. If it also involves filling out many complex forms, it becomes 'mühsam'.
- Example: 'Die Gerichtsverhandlung war langwierig.' (The court hearing was lengthy.) vs. 'Die Verhandlungen waren langwierig und mühsam.' (The negotiations were lengthy and laborious.)
- 4. Plackerei
- Meaning: Toil, drudgery (noun).
- Comparison: 'Plackerei' is a noun referring to hard, tedious work. 'Mühsam' is an adjective describing the nature of such work or a process. You would say that a task involves 'Plackerei', and the task itself is 'mühsam'.
- Example: 'Die Feldarbeit ist reine Plackerei.' (Field work is pure toil.) vs. 'Das Feld zu bestellen war eine mühsame Arbeit.' (Cultivating the field was a laborious task.)
- 5. Mit viel Mühe
- Meaning: With much effort.
- Comparison: This is a phrase that directly translates the core meaning of 'mühsam'. It's often used when 'mühsam' might sound too formal or when you want to emphasize the 'effort' aspect more directly. It's a good alternative when 'mühsam' feels slightly awkward.
- Example: 'Er hat das Problem mit viel Mühe gelöst.' (He solved the problem with much effort.) This is very close in meaning to 'Er hat das Problem mühsam gelöst.'
'Mühsam' emphasizes the painful effort, while 'schwierig' simply states difficulty.
'Anstrengend' implies physical or mental strain, whereas 'mühsam' focuses on the slow, arduous nature of the process.
How Formal Is It?
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豆知識
The root 'Mühe' is ancient and can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *mōþuz, related to concepts of effort and striving. It shares connections with words in other Germanic languages that signify effort or struggle.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing the 'h' sound.
- Using an unvoiced 's' instead of a voiced 'z'.
- Not rounding the lips for the 'ü' sound.
- Incorrect stress placement.
難易度
Understanding 'mühsam' requires grasping the nuance of effort and process, which is beyond basic 'difficult'. It's encountered in texts discussing challenges, work, and progress.
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Adjective Declension
When 'mühsam' precedes a noun, its ending changes according to the gender, number, and case of the noun. For example: ein mühsamer Weg (masculine, nominative), eine mühsame Arbeit (feminine, nominative), das mühsame Projekt (neuter, nominative).
Predicative Use
When 'mühsam' follows a linking verb like 'sein' (to be), it does not change its ending. Example: Die Wanderung war mühsam. (The hike was laborious.)
Adverbial Use
While primarily an adjective, 'mühsam' can function adverbially to describe how an action is performed. Example: Er arbeitete mühsam an seiner Rede. (He worked laboriously on his speech.)
Comparison with Adverbs
'Mühsam' can be intensified by adverbs like 'sehr' (very), 'ziemlich' (quite), 'ungemein' (immensely). Example: Die Aufgabe war sehr mühsam. (The task was very laborious.)
Use with Infinitive Clauses
It is common to use 'mühsam' in constructions like 'Es ist mühsam, etwas zu tun.' Example: Es ist mühsam, diesen Bericht zu vervollständigen. (It is laborious to complete this report.)
レベル別の例文
Das ist mühsam.
This is laborious.
Simple sentence structure, predicative use of 'mühsam'.
Die Arbeit ist mühsam.
The work is laborious.
Subject-verb-adjective structure.
Es ist mühsam.
It is laborious.
Impersonal pronoun 'es' used with adjective.
Ein mühsam Weg.
A laborious path.
Attributive use with masculine noun, nominative case. Note the adjective ending.
Das ist mühsam, ja.
That is laborious, yes.
Simple affirmation.
Sehr mühsam.
Very laborious.
Adverb intensifying the adjective.
Der Weg war mühsam.
The path was laborious.
Past tense of 'sein'.
Eine mühsame Aufgabe.
A laborious task.
Attributive use with feminine noun, nominative case. Note the adjective ending.
Das ist eine mühsame Arbeit.
That is laborious work.
Attributive use with feminine noun, nominative case.
Der Aufstieg war sehr mühsam.
The ascent was very laborious.
Predicative use with definite article and masculine noun.
Wir haben einen mühsamen Weg hinter uns.
We have a laborious path behind us.
Attributive use with masculine noun, accusative case.
Es war mühsam, alles zu organisieren.
It was laborious to organize everything.
Construction with 'es' + adjective + infinitive clause.
Die Reparatur war mühsam.
The repair was laborious.
Predicative use with feminine noun.
Ein mühsames Geschäft.
A laborious business/undertaking.
Attributive use with neuter noun, nominative case.
Das Erlernen war mühsam.
The learning was laborious.
Predicative use with neuter noun.
Sie hat mühsam ihr Ziel erreicht.
She laboriously reached her goal.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'erreicht'.
Die Sammlung der alten Dokumente war eine mühsame Angelegenheit.
The collection of the old documents was a laborious affair.
Attributive use with feminine noun, nominative case. 'Angelegenheit' is feminine.
Der Weg durch den dichten Wald war lang und mühsam.
The path through the dense forest was long and laborious.
Predicative use, describing the subject 'Weg' with two adjectives.
Es ist mühsam, sich durch den Bürokratie-Dschungel zu kämpfen.
It is laborious to fight through the bureaucracy jungle.
Impersonal construction with infinitive clause, highlighting the difficulty of navigating bureaucracy.
Er hat sich mühsam durch die Prüfung gearbeitet.
He laboriously worked his way through the exam.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'gearbeitet'.
Die Restaurierung des alten Gemäldes war eine mühsame Arbeit.
The restoration of the old painting was a laborious task.
Attributive use with feminine noun 'Arbeit'.
Die Verhandlungen zogen sich mühsam in die Länge.
The negotiations dragged on laboriously.
Adverbial use describing the verb 'zogen sich'.
Ein mühsames Unterfangen, aber es lohnt sich.
A laborious undertaking, but it's worth it.
Attributive use with neuter noun 'Unterfangen'.
Die Aufbereitung der Daten war ein mühsamer Prozess.
The preparation of the data was a laborious process.
Attributive use with masculine noun 'Prozess'.
Die Überwindung der tiefen Kluft zwischen den beiden Kulturen war ein mühsamer Prozess, der Jahre dauerte.
Bridging the deep divide between the two cultures was a laborious process that took years.
Complex sentence structure, attributive use with masculine noun 'Prozess'.
Er verstand es, seine mühsam erworbenen Kenntnisse in die Praxis umzusetzen.
He knew how to put his laboriously acquired knowledge into practice.
Attributive use modifying 'Kenntnisse' (knowledge), genitive case.
Die Suche nach einer bezahlbaren Wohnung in der Stadt gestaltet sich zunehmend mühsam.
The search for affordable housing in the city is becoming increasingly laborious.
Predicative use, describing the subject 'Suche' (search).
Man muss sich mühsam durch die Fachliteratur arbeiten, um das Thema zu verstehen.
One must laboriously work through the specialist literature to understand the topic.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' with the verb 'arbeiten'.
Die langwierigen Verhandlungen über das Friedensabkommen waren zermürbend und mühsam.
The lengthy negotiations over the peace agreement were exhausting and laborious.
Predicative use, modifying 'Verhandlungen' with two adjectives.
Sie führte ein mühsames Leben als alleinerziehende Mutter.
She led a laborious life as a single mother.
Attributive use with neuter noun 'Leben'.
Das Sammeln von Beweisen für den Prozess war ein mühsamer und zeitaufwendiger Prozess.
Gathering evidence for the trial was a laborious and time-consuming process.
Attributive use with masculine noun 'Prozess', modified by two adjectives.
Er musste mühsam lernen, seine Emotionen zu kontrollieren.
He had to laboriously learn to control his emotions.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'lernen'.
Die Rekonstruktion der historischen Ereignisse erfordert eine mühsame Auseinandersetzung mit fragmentarischen Quellen.
The reconstruction of historical events requires a laborious engagement with fragmentary sources.
Attributive use with feminine noun 'Auseinandersetzung'.
Er navigierte mühsam durch die komplexen juristischen Formulierungen des Vertrages.
He laboriously navigated through the complex legal formulations of the contract.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'navigierte'.
Die Überwindung tief verwurzelter Vorurteile ist ein mühsamer gesellschaftlicher Prozess, der Geduld und Beharrlichkeit erfordert.
Overcoming deeply rooted prejudices is a laborious societal process that requires patience and perseverance.
Attributive use with masculine noun 'Prozess'.
Sie musste mühsam den Widerstand ihrer Familie überwinden, um ihren eigenen Weg zu gehen.
She had to laboriously overcome her family's resistance to go her own way.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'überwinden'.
Die Implementierung der neuen Software war ein mühsames Unterfangen, das zahlreiche Schulungen erforderte.
The implementation of the new software was a laborious undertaking that required numerous training sessions.
Attributive use with neuter noun 'Unterfangen'.
Er schilderte die mühsamen Schritte zur Erreichung seiner akademischen Ziele.
He described the laborious steps taken to achieve his academic goals.
Attributive use with feminine noun 'Schritte'.
Die Entschlüsselung der alten Schrift war eine mühsame Detektivarbeit.
The deciphering of the ancient script was laborious detective work.
Attributive use with feminine noun 'Detektivarbeit'.
Die schrittweise Annäherung der Verhandlungspartner war ein mühsamer Weg zum Erfolg.
The gradual rapprochement of the negotiating partners was a laborious path to success.
Attributive use with masculine noun 'Weg'.
Die mühsame Entwirrung der komplexen politischen Verflechtungen erforderte diplomatische Finesse und unermüdliche Ausdauer.
The laborious disentanglement of the complex political entanglements required diplomatic finesse and tireless perseverance.
Attributive use with feminine noun 'Entwirrung'.
Er musste mühsam seinen Ruf wiederherstellen, der durch falsche Anschuldigungen schwer beschädigt worden war.
He had to laboriously restore his reputation, which had been severely damaged by false accusations.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'wiederherstellen'.
Die Erschließung neuer Märkte ist ein mühsamer Prozess, der oft mit erheblichen Risiken verbunden ist.
The development of new markets is a laborious process often associated with significant risks.
Attributive use with masculine noun 'Prozess'.
Sie analysierte mühsam die feinsten Nuancen in der Stimme des Angeklagten.
She laboriously analyzed the finest nuances in the defendant's voice.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'analysierte'.
Die Bewältigung der Nachwirkungen des Krieges war eine mühsame und langwierige Aufgabe für die gesamte Nation.
Coping with the aftermath of the war was a laborious and lengthy task for the entire nation.
Attributive use with feminine noun 'Aufgabe'.
Der Journalist deckte mühsam die Hintergründe der Korruptionsaffäre auf.
The journalist laboriously uncovered the background of the corruption scandal.
Adverbial use of 'mühsam' describing the verb 'aufdeckte'.
Es war ein mühsames Unterfangen, die verlorenen Artefakte zu bergen und zu restaurieren.
It was a laborious undertaking to recover and restore the lost artifacts.
Attributive use with neuter noun 'Unterfangen'.
Die schrittweise Annäherung der verfeindeten Parteien war ein mühsamer Weg zur Versöhnung.
The gradual rapprochement of the feuding parties was a laborious path to reconciliation.
Attributive use with masculine noun 'Weg'.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— A laborious task or work that requires significant effort and time.
Das Renovieren des alten Hauses war eine wirklich mühsame Arbeit.
— A process that is difficult, slow, and requires persistent effort to complete.
Die Integration der neuen Mitarbeiter ist ein mühsamer Prozess.
— To struggle through a difficult situation, often referring to making a living or overcoming obstacles.
Viele Studenten müssen sich während des Studiums mühsam durchschlagen.
— To achieve something only after great effort and difficulty.
Er hat sein Ziel mühsam erreicht.
— Moving very slowly and with difficulty, often describing traffic or a slow process.
Der Verkehr ging mühsam langsam voran.
— To build something up with great effort and patience.
Sie bauten mühsam ihr Geschäft auf.
— To learn something only through diligent and difficult study.
Sie musste mühsam die neue Sprache lernen.
— An undertaking or venture that is characterized by great difficulty and effort.
Die Expedition war ein mühsames Unterfangen.
— To carry heavy or cumbersome objects with great difficulty.
Die Möbel mussten mühsam die Treppe hinaufgeschleppt werden.
— To assemble something piece by piece with considerable effort and patience.
Er hat das Modellauto mühsam zusammengesetzt.
よく混同される語
'Müde' means tired. 'Mühsam' means laborious or difficult. A 'mühsam' task can make you 'müde', but they are not synonyms. Example: 'Die Arbeit war mühsam und machte mich müde.' (The work was laborious and made me tired.)
'Schwierig' means difficult. 'Mühsam' emphasizes the effort and time involved in overcoming difficulty. A task can be 'schwierig' but quick, whereas 'mühsam' implies a slow, arduous process.
'Langsam' means slow. While 'mühsam' tasks are often slow, 'mühsam' specifically highlights the effort and difficulty, not just the pace. A slow walk in the park isn't necessarily 'mühsam'.
慣用句と表現
— This idiom means to struggle through life, to make a difficult living, or to overcome significant hardships.
Nachdem er seinen Job verloren hatte, musste er sich mühsam durchschlagen.
neutral— To do something with great difficulty, as if it were physically hard to detach from one's hands.
Er musste sich mühsam von seinem alten Auto trennen.
neutral— This phrase emphasizes that achieving a goal is not easy and requires a long, difficult, and effortful journey.
Der Weg zur Heilung war lang und mühsam.
neutral— Something that has been achieved only through hard struggle and persistent effort.
Der Sieg war hart erkämpft und mühsam errungen.
neutral— To extract information or something from someone with great difficulty, as if it were a physical struggle.
Man musste ihm die Informationen mühsam aus den Rippen leiern.
informal— To build something up gradually and with great effort over time, such as a career, a relationship, or a business.
Sie hat ihr Unternehmen mühsam aufgebaut.
neutral— To carry heavy or awkward objects with great difficulty, often implying strain and slow movement.
Die Baumaterialien mussten mühsam zur Baustelle geschleppt werden.
neutral— Describes something that progresses extremely slowly and with difficulty, like very slow traffic.
Der Verkehr auf der Autobahn war mühsam langsam.
neutral— To assemble something, especially something complex like furniture or a model, with significant effort and patience.
Er hat das komplizierte Möbelstück mühsam zusammengesetzt.
neutral— To acquire knowledge, skills, or a position through hard work and persistent effort.
Sie hat sich ihre Position im Unternehmen mühsam erarbeitet.
neutral間違えやすい
Both relate to difficulty.
'Schwierig' is a general term for difficulty, whether it's intellectual, situational, or requires effort. 'Mühsam' specifically emphasizes the labor, time, and painstaking effort involved in overcoming that difficulty. A difficult puzzle might be 'schwierig' to solve, but assembling a large piece of furniture with many small parts could be both 'schwierig' and 'mühsam'.
Die Prüfung war schwierig. (The exam was difficult.) vs. Die Reparatur war mühsam. (The repair was laborious.)
Both imply effort and can lead to fatigue.
'Anstrengend' focuses on the physical or mental exertion and the resulting tiredness. 'Mühsam' focuses on the slow, difficult, and painstaking nature of the process itself. An intense sprint is 'anstrengend' but not 'mühsam'. A long, slow march uphill is both 'anstrengend' and 'mühsam'.
Das Marathonlaufen ist sehr anstrengend. (Marathon running is very strenuous.) vs. Der Weg durch den Sumpf war mühsam. (The path through the swamp was laborious.)
Both describe processes that take time.
'Langwierig' primarily refers to the duration and slow pace of something. 'Mühsam' refers to the effort and difficulty involved. A bureaucratic process can be 'langwierig' (long-lasting) and also 'mühsam' (requiring much form-filling and waiting).
Die Gerichtsverhandlung war langwierig. (The court hearing was lengthy.) vs. Die Sanierung des Gebäudes war mühsam. (The renovation of the building was laborious.)
Both describe hardship and difficulty.
'Beschwerlich' often relates to journeys, paths, or tasks that are burdensome and cause discomfort or hardship. 'Mühsam' is more general and can apply to any task or process requiring significant effort. A difficult hike could be described as both.
Die Reise mit dem Zug war beschwerlich. (The train journey was arduous/burdensome.) vs. Die Arbeit im Bergwerk war mühsam. (The work in the mine was laborious.)
It's the direct opposite, making it important to distinguish.
'Mühelos' means effortless, requiring no effort. 'Mühsam' means requiring great effort. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum describing the ease or difficulty of a task.
Er löste die Aufgabe mühhelos. (He solved the task effortlessly.) vs. Er löste die Aufgabe mühsam. (He solved the task laboriously.)
文型パターン
Das ist mühsam.
Das ist mühsam.
Ein mühsam(er/e/es) Noun.
Ein mühsamer Weg.
Die Arbeit/Der Prozess war mühsam.
Die Arbeit war mühsam.
Es ist mühsam, zu + Infinitiv.
Es ist mühsam, auf den Bus zu warten.
Jemand hat mühsam etwas getan.
Sie hat mühsam das Regal aufgebaut.
Ein mühsam(er/e/es) Noun + war/ist + Adjective.
Ein mühsamer Kampf war nötig.
Die mühsam(en) Anstrengungen führten zu...
Die mühsamen Anstrengungen führten zum Erfolg.
Mühsam + Verb.
Mühsam kletterte er den Berg hinauf.
語族
名詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
Moderately frequent, especially in contexts describing work, challenges, and journeys.
-
Using 'mühsam' for simple difficulties.
→
Use 'mühsam' for tasks requiring significant, prolonged effort, not minor inconveniences.
Describing a slightly slow internet connection as 'mühsam' is an exaggeration. Save 'mühsam' for genuinely arduous tasks like assembling furniture or preparing a complex meal.
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Incorrect adjective endings.
→
Ensure correct declension when 'mühsam' precedes a noun.
Forgetting endings like in 'ein mühsam Arbeit' (incorrect) instead of 'eine mühsame Arbeit' (correct) is a common error. Always check the noun's gender, case, and number.
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Confusing with 'müde' (tired).
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Recognize that 'mühsam' (laborious) is different from 'müde' (tired).
A 'mühsam' task can *make* you tired, but they are not synonyms. 'Ich bin mühsam' is incorrect; it should be 'Ich bin müde' (I am tired) or 'Die Arbeit war mühsam' (The work was laborious).
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Using 'mühsam' when 'schwierig' or 'langwierig' would be more precise.
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Choose the word that best captures the specific type of difficulty.
'Schwierig' is general difficulty. 'Langwierig' is about duration. 'Mühsam' is about the effort and painstaking nature. Use 'mühsam' when the *effort* is the key aspect.
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Forgetting the silent 'h' and the voiced 's'.
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Pronounce 'mühsam' with a long 'ü' sound and a 'z' sound for 's'.
The 'h' lengthens the 'ü' vowel. The 's' is voiced like in 'rose' in English, not unvoiced like in 'snake'. Proper pronunciation aids comprehension.
ヒント
Focus on the Process
Remember that 'mühsam' emphasizes the *process* of doing something, highlighting the effort, time, and difficulty involved, rather than just the outcome. Think of the journey, not just the destination.
Master Adjective Endings
When 'mühsam' comes before a noun, its ending must agree with the noun's gender, number, and case. Practice different combinations like 'ein mühsamer Weg', 'eine mühsame Aufgabe', 'das mühsame Projekt'.
Distinguish from 'Schwierig'
While related, 'mühsam' is more specific than 'schwierig'. Use 'mühsam' when the *effort* and *labor* are the key aspects of the difficulty, not just the complexity.
Practice the 'ü' Sound
The German 'ü' sound in 'mühsam' is crucial. Practice by rounding your lips as if to say 'oo' but try to say 'ee' instead. It's similar to the French 'u'.
Appreciate the Effort
In German culture, there's often respect for hard work. Describing something as 'mühsam' can be a way to acknowledge and respect the effort someone has put in.
Contrast with 'Mühelos'
Understand 'mühsam' as the opposite of 'mühelos' (effortless). This contrast helps solidify the meaning: one requires great effort, the other requires none.
Use in Descriptions
Employ 'mühsam' in your writing and speaking to vividly describe tasks, projects, journeys, or any situation that demands significant time and exertion.
Beyond Physical Labor
Remember that 'mühsam' applies not only to physical tasks but also to mental efforts, complex processes, and even emotional struggles that require sustained, difficult work.
Explore Related Terms
Learn synonyms like 'beschwerlich', 'langwierig', and 'anstrengend' to express nuances of difficulty, duration, and exertion, and to avoid repetition.
Create Mental Images
Associate 'mühsam' with strong visuals: a person slowly climbing a steep mountain, or meticulously assembling a complex object. This mental imagery aids recall.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Imagine a very 'MÜde' (tired) person having to do a 'SAM'ple (similar sound) of a very difficult task. The task is so hard, it makes them tired and is very 'MÜ-SAM'. Or, think of 'MÜ' like 'moo' (a cow making a laborious sound) and 'SAM' like a person's name - Sam the cow is doing a very hard job.
視覚的連想
Visualize a person slowly and painstakingly climbing a steep, rocky mountain path, sweating and struggling with every step. The path is 'mühsam'. Alternatively, picture someone meticulously assembling a very complex model with thousands of tiny pieces, each requiring careful placement.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to describe three different activities you did this week using 'mühsam'. For example, 'The mühsam process of cleaning my oven took three hours.' or 'Learning the new software was a mühsam task, but I'm getting there.'
語源
The word 'mühsam' derives from the Middle High German word 'mühesam' or 'mühesame', which itself comes from the Old High German 'muosam'. This word is related to the noun 'Mühe' (effort, trouble).
元の意味： Originally, it meant something that caused trouble or required effort.
Germanic文化的な背景
While 'mühsam' acknowledges difficulty, it's generally not considered a negative or dismissive term. It often implies respect for the effort involved. However, avoid using it for trivial inconveniences, as it might sound like an exaggeration.
In English, 'laborious', 'arduous', 'painstaking', and 'difficult' are close equivalents. However, 'mühsam' often carries a slightly stronger connotation of slow, persistent effort, especially in physical tasks or complex processes.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Describing physical labor or challenging tasks.
- eine mühsame Arbeit
- mühsam schleppen
- mühsam aufbauen
Talking about complex or lengthy processes.
- ein mühsamer Prozess
- langwierig und mühsam
- mühsam erarbeiten
Discussing difficult journeys or paths.
- ein mühsamer Weg
- mühsam klettern
- der Weg war mühsam
Referring to overcoming obstacles or struggles.
- sich mühsam durchschlagen
- mühsam überwinden
- mühsam kämpfen
Describing tedious or time-consuming activities.
- mühsam langsam
- mühsam zusammensetzen
- eine mühsame Angelegenheit
会話のきっかけ
"Was war die mühsamste Aufgabe, die du diese Woche hattest?"
"Erzähl mir von einem mühsamen Projekt, das du erfolgreich abgeschlossen hast."
"Wie würdest du den Prozess des Deutschlernens beschreiben? Ist er mühsam?"
"Gibt es etwas, das du gerne tun würdest, aber weißt, dass es eine mühsame Arbeit ist?"
"Was ist deiner Meinung nach der Unterschied zwischen 'mühsam' und einfach nur 'schwierig'?"
日記のテーマ
Beschreibe eine Zeit, in der du eine mühsame Aufgabe bewältigen musstest. Wie hast du dich dabei gefühlt und was hast du daraus gelernt?
Denke an eine Fähigkeit, die du dir mühsam angeeignet hast. Welche Schritte waren am schwierigsten und wie hast du durchgehalten?
Schreibe über einen mühsamen Prozess in deinem Leben, sei es beruflich, persönlich oder akademisch. Welche Hindernisse gab es und wie hast du sie überwunden?
Vergleiche eine 'mühsame' Tätigkeit mit einer 'mühelosen'. Welche Vorteile hat jede Art von Aktivität?
Wie kann man die Motivation aufrechterhalten, wenn man an einer mühsamen Aufgabe arbeitet, die viel Zeit und Energie erfordert?
よくある質問
10 問'Mühsam' emphasizes the labor, time, and painstaking effort involved in completing a task, often implying a slow and arduous process. 'Schwierig' is a more general term for difficult, which could be intellectually challenging, complex, or simply hard to do, but not necessarily time-consuming or requiring physical exertion. For example, a difficult math problem might be 'schwierig' but solved quickly, while building a large piece of furniture could be both 'schwierig' and 'mühsam'.
Yes, absolutely. While it often evokes images of physical labor, 'mühsam' can also describe mental tasks that require sustained effort, concentration, and perseverance. For instance, researching a complex topic, learning a difficult skill, or working through a challenging problem can all be described as 'mühsam'.
Not necessarily. While it acknowledges difficulty and effort, it often carries a connotation of respect for the person undertaking the task and the perseverance involved. It's an honest description of a challenging endeavor, and the effort itself can be seen as valuable or necessary for a good outcome.
Common phrases include 'eine mühsame Arbeit' (a laborious task), 'ein mühsamer Prozess' (a laborious process), 'sich mühsam durchschlagen' (to struggle through, make a difficult living), and 'ein mühsamer Weg' (an arduous path). These phrases illustrate the core meaning of effort and difficulty.
The pronunciation is approximately 'MYOO-zam'. The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ü' sound is like the French 'u' or the 'ew' in 'few' with rounded lips. The 's' is voiced, like a 'z' sound. The 'h' is silent and lengthens the 'ü' sound.
'Anstrengend' focuses on the exertion and potential for tiredness. 'Mühsam' focuses on the slow, painstaking, and difficult nature of the process itself. If a task is physically demanding and makes you tired, it's 'anstrengend'. If it's also slow, requires constant attention, and is not easily done, it's 'mühsam'. A long hike can be both.
Yes, 'mühsam' often implies that something takes a long time because it is difficult and requires sustained effort. However, 'langwierig' is a more direct word for something that is simply time-consuming. 'Mühsam' adds the element of difficulty and effort to the duration.
The related noun is 'Mühe', which means effort, trouble, or pains. Another related noun is 'Mühsal', which means toil or hardship. The adjective 'mühsam' describes something that involves 'Mühe' or 'Mühsal'.
The main pitfall is incorrect adjective declension when 'mühsam' comes before a noun. Ensure you use the correct endings based on gender, number, and case. Also, remember that when used predicatively (after 'sein'), the adjective does not change.
'Mühsam' describes the *nature* of an activity that requires diligence. Diligence is the quality of being hardworking and conscientious. A 'mühsam' activity is one that demands diligence to be completed successfully. So, one requires diligence *for* a 'mühsam' task.
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Summary
The word 'mühsam' emphasizes the laboriousness and difficulty of a task, highlighting the significant effort, time, and perseverance required for its completion. It's more than just difficult; it's about the arduous process involved.
- Describes tasks or processes requiring significant effort and time.
- Implies difficulty, labor, and slow progress.
- Use when something is not easily achieved.
- Synonyms include 'schwierig', 'anstrengend', 'langwierig'.
Focus on the Process
Remember that 'mühsam' emphasizes the *process* of doing something, highlighting the effort, time, and difficulty involved, rather than just the outcome. Think of the journey, not just the destination.
Master Adjective Endings
When 'mühsam' comes before a noun, its ending must agree with the noun's gender, number, and case. Practice different combinations like 'ein mühsamer Weg', 'eine mühsame Aufgabe', 'das mühsame Projekt'.
Distinguish from 'Schwierig'
While related, 'mühsam' is more specific than 'schwierig'. Use 'mühsam' when the *effort* and *labor* are the key aspects of the difficulty, not just the complexity.
Practice the 'ü' Sound
The German 'ü' sound in 'mühsam' is crucial. Practice by rounding your lips as if to say 'oo' but try to say 'ee' instead. It's similar to the French 'u'.
例文
Der Aufstieg war mühsam, aber wir haben es geschafft.
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