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A1 adjective #1,300 most common 9 min read

schwach

Top 1,300

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips schwach in 30 Seconds

Explanation schwach in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'schwach' is primarily used to describe basic physical sensations or the quality of simple items. You will learn it as the opposite of 'stark' (strong). For example, you might say 'Ich bin schwach' if you are feeling unwell or 'Der Tee ist schwach' if it doesn't have much flavor. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex metaphorical uses. Focus on the predicative use (after 'ist') where the word doesn't change its ending. It's a useful word for expressing basic needs or opinions about food and health. You might also encounter it when talking about the weather, like 'ein schwacher Wind' (a weak/light wind). The main goal is to recognize the word and use it in simple subject-verb-adjective sentences. Remember the basic pronunciation: the 'ch' at the end is the 'ich-Laut', a soft hissing sound made at the front of the mouth, not the 'ach-Laut' from the back of the throat. Practice saying 'schwach' alongside 'stark' to cement the antonym pair in your memory.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'schwach' in more varied contexts, including technology and basic social situations. You will start to see it used with attributive endings, such as 'ein schwacher Akku' (a weak battery) or 'eine schwache Note' (a weak/poor grade). This is the level where you should practice declining the adjective correctly according to the noun's gender. You will also hear it in common phrases like 'schwach werden' (to become weak/give in to temptation). If you are talking about your hobbies, you might say 'Ich bin schwach in Mathe' (I am weak at math). This level introduces the idea that 'schwach' isn't just about physical muscles but also about skills and technical performance. You should also be able to form the comparative 'schwächer' to compare two things, like 'Mein altes Handy war schwächer als mein neues'. Pay attention to the umlaut change in the comparative and superlative forms, as this is a key grammatical milestone at the A2 level.

By B1, you are expected to use 'schwach' metaphorically and in more formal settings. You will encounter it in discussions about the economy ('schwache Konjunktur') or politics ('eine schwache Regierung'). At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'schwach' and its synonyms like 'kraftlos' or 'leise'. You will use 'schwach' to describe arguments or evidence in a debate: 'Das ist ein schwaches Argument'. You also start to learn idiomatic expressions, such as 'jemanden an seiner schwachen Stelle treffen' (to hit someone's weak spot). Your understanding of the word should move beyond simple physical states to include complex social and logical evaluations. In writing, you might use 'schwach' to provide more nuanced descriptions in stories or reports. You should also be comfortable using it as an adverb to describe how something is happening, such as 'Die Wirtschaft wächst nur schwach' (The economy is growing only weakly). This shows a higher level of grammatical control and vocabulary range.

At the B2 level, 'schwach' is used with precision in professional and academic contexts. You will use it to describe trends, such as 'schwankende oder schwache Nachfrage' (fluctuating or weak demand). You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'schwach' and more advanced terms like 'hinfällig' (decrepit) or 'unzulänglich' (inadequate). In literature or film analysis, you might describe a 'schwache Charakterentwicklung' (weak character development). You are also expected to handle the word in complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or subjunctive moods. For example, 'Es wäre schwach von uns, jetzt aufzugeben' (It would be weak of us to give up now). At this stage, you should also be aware of the register—knowing that 'schwach' is neutral but can be replaced by more formal or informal terms depending on the audience. You will also encounter the word in compound nouns like 'Schwachtrom' (low-voltage current) or 'Schwachstelle' (weak point/vulnerability), which are common in technical and business German.

At the C1 level, your use of 'schwach' should be highly nuanced and context-aware. You will use it to describe subtle philosophical or psychological states. For instance, you might discuss the 'schwache Kausalität' (weak causality) in a scientific paper or the 'schwache Position' of a negotiator. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated rhetorical structures to emphasize a point. You will also recognize and use more obscure idioms and literary references involving 'schwach'. At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between 'schwach' and its near-synonyms in great detail, such as why one would choose 'gebrechlich' over 'schwach' in a specific poetic context. You will also encounter the word in specialized fields like linguistics ('schwache Deklination') or physics. Your ability to use 'schwach' should reflect a deep understanding of German culture and history, including how the word has been used in famous literary works or historical speeches to describe the human condition or national identity.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'schwach' and all its derivatives. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from high-level academic discourse to colloquial slang. You might explore the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You can use 'schwach' to create irony or double meanings in your writing. For example, you might write a critique of a 'schwache Leistung' that is actually a subtle praise of its minimalist aesthetic. You are comfortable with the word in all its morphological forms and can manipulate it to fit any rhythmic or stylistic requirement in creative writing. You also understand the socio-linguistic implications of using the word in sensitive contexts and can navigate these with ease. At this level, 'schwach' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal that you can use to express the finest shades of meaning, whether you are discussing the 'schwache Wechselwirkung' in particle physics or the 'schwache Momente' of a historical figure.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

schwach in 30 Seconds

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?

Fun Fact

The word is cognate with the English word 'swag' (in the sense of swaying or sagging), though the meanings have diverged significantly over centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃvax/

US /ʃvax/

The stress is on the only syllable.

Rhymes With

Bach Dach Fach Lach Mach Nach Sach Wach

Common Errors

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'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and appears frequently in basic texts.

Writing 2/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings and the umlaut in comparative forms.

Speaking 2/5

The 'ch' sound can be tricky for beginners to distinguish from 'k'.

Listening 1/5

Easily recognizable in spoken German due to its distinct 'sch' start.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

stark groß klein gut schlecht

Learn Next

kraftlos müde erschöpft stabil intensiv

Advanced

hinfällig gebrechlich labil marode unzulänglich

Grammar to Know

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.

Examples by Level

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.

Common Collocations

schwacher Trost

schwacher Akku

schwaches Signal

schwache Leistung

schwacher Kaffee

schwache Nerven

schwaches Licht

schwache Konjunktur

schwaches Argument

schwacher Punkt

Common Phrases

schwach werden

— To give in to temptation or to lose one's resolve. Often used with food or shopping.

Bei diesem Angebot bin ich schwach geworden.

eine schwache Stunde haben

— To have a moment of vulnerability or to make a mistake due to temporary weakness.

Jeder hat mal eine schwache Stunde.

schwach auf der Brust sein

— To be physically weak, or metaphorically to lack financial or technical resources.

Der neue Computer ist etwas schwach auf der Brust.

ein schwaches Bild abgeben

— To make a poor impression or to perform poorly in a public situation.

Der Politiker gab in der Talkshow ein schwaches Bild ab.

die schwache Seite

— Someone's vulnerability or a specific area where they lack skill or strength.

Mathematik war schon immer meine schwache Seite.

schwach wie eine Fliege

— Extremely weak physically. A common simile.

Nach der Operation fühlte er sich schwach wie eine Fliege.

den schwachen Punkt treffen

— To identify or attack someone's most vulnerable area.

Mit dieser Frage hat sie seinen schwachen Punkt getroffen.

ein schwacher Abglanz

— A faint or poor imitation of something that was once much better.

Das Remake ist nur ein schwacher Abglanz des Originals.

schwach anfangen

— To start something (like a game or a project) with low energy or poor results.

Die Mannschaft hat schwach angefangen, sich dann aber gesteigert.

auf schwachen Füßen stehen

— To be based on an unstable foundation or to be poorly justified.

Seine Behauptungen stehen auf schwachen Füßen.

Often Confused With

schwach vs leise

English speakers use 'weak' for sound, but Germans use 'leise' (quiet).

schwach vs weich

English 'weak' can mean 'soft', but German 'weich' is for texture or gentle personality.

schwach vs müde

Use 'müde' for sleepy, 'schwach' for lacking physical strength.

Idioms & Expressions

"schwach werden"

— To succumb to a desire or temptation.

Ich wollte keine Schuhe kaufen, aber ich bin schwach geworden.

informal

"jemanden schwach anreden"

— To talk to someone in a disrespectful or provocative way.

Red mich nicht so schwach an!

slang

"das schwache Geschlecht"

— A dated term for women. Use with caution as it is often seen as sexist.

Früher nannte man Frauen das schwache Geschlecht.

dated

"schwach auf der Brust sein"

— To lack power, money, or stamina.

Die Firma ist finanziell etwas schwach auf der Brust.

informal

"eine schwache Ader für etwas haben"

— To have a secret liking or weakness for something.

Er hat eine schwache Ader für Kitsch.

neutral

"schwach im Kopf sein"

— To be unintelligent or mentally slow (offensive).

Er ist wohl ein bisschen schwach im Kopf.

offensive

"den Schwachen spielen"

— To pretend to be weak to gain sympathy or an advantage.

Spiel nicht immer den Schwachen!

neutral

"schwach wie Wasser"

— Completely lacking in strength or character.

Sein Wille war schwach wie Wasser.

literary

"schwach daherkommen"

— To appear unimpressive or lacking in quality.

Der neue Film kommt ziemlich schwach daher.

informal

"ein schwaches Herz haben"

— To be easily frightened or emotionally fragile (also literal medical).

Nichts für Leute, die ein schwaches Herz haben.

neutral

Easily Confused

schwach vs leise

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).

schwach vs weich

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.

schwach vs dünn

Both used for liquids.

Dünn is 'thin' (watery); schwach is 'weak' (low concentration). Often interchangeable for coffee.

Der Tee ist zu dünn / schwach.

schwach vs kraftlos

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).

schwach vs matt

Both describe exhaustion.

Matt often includes a sense of dullness or lack of spirit.

Matte Augen (dull eyes) vs. schwache Augen (poor vision).

Sentence Patterns

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.

Word Family

Nouns

die Schwäche (weakness)

der Schwächling (weakling)

die Abschwächung (weakening/mitigation)

die Entschwächung (rare: weakening)

Verbs

schwächen (to weaken)

abschwächen (to tone down/weaken)

entschwächen (to weaken - rare)

erweichen (to soften/weaken resolve)

Adjectives

schwach (weak)

schwächlich (sickly/puny)

schwachsinnig (idiotic - offensive)

abschwächend (weakening)

stark (opposite)

Kraft (power)

Energie (energy)

Leistung (performance)

Signal (signal)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily life, technology, and business.

Common Mistakes

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'.

Tips

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.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'swaying' ('schwach') branch in the wind. It is too weak to stand still.

Visual Association

Imagine a battery icon that is flashing red and only has one tiny bar left. That is 'schwach'.

Word Web

Akku Kaffee Signal Körper Argument Wirtschaft Licht Wille

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room right now that are 'schwach' (e.g., a dim light, a low battery, a thin curtain).

Word Origin

Derived from Middle High German 'swach' and Old High German 'swah'. It is related to the Dutch 'zwak' and Old Norse 'svakr'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was 'bent', 'swaying', or 'yielding', coming from a root that meant to move back and forth.

Germanic

Cultural Context

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.

The 'Schwache Wechselwirkung' in physics (Nobel prize winning research). The 'Schwache' in Nietzsche's philosophy (the weak vs. the strong). The 'Schwächster' in the German version of the TV show 'The Weakest Link' (Der Schwächste fliegt).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

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.

Conversation Starters

"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?"

Journal Prompts

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 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.