anspruchsvoll
demanding
Setting high requirements and therefore difficult, complex, or time-consuming. It can refer to tasks, works, or situations.
EXAMPLE
Das Studium der Physik ist sehr anspruchsvoll.
Studying physics is very demanding.
anspruchsvoll
demanding
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Meanings
anspruchsvoll
demanding
Describing a person who has high expectations regarding quality, performance, or other people's behavior.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein anspruchsvoller Gast, dem man es nur schwer recht machen kann.
He is a demanding guest who is hard to please.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Anspruch' (claim, demand, expectation) and '-voll' (-ful). So it literally means 'full of demands' or 'full of requirements,' which makes both meanings easier to understand.
EXAMPLE
Ein Marathonlauf ist eine sehr anspruchsvolle sportliche Leistung.
Running a marathon is a very demanding athletic achievement.
Context clue
The meaning depends on what the adjective refers to. If it describes a thing or task, it means 'difficult' or 'complex.' If it describes a person, it means that this person has high expectations.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Computerspiel ist sehr anspruchsvoll und nichts für Anfänger.
This computer game is very demanding and not for beginners.
Typical collocations
When something is difficult, 'anspruchsvoll' (demanding) is often combined with nouns such as 'Aufgabe' (task), 'Job' (job), 'Text' (text), 'Studium' (degree program/studies), or 'Training' (training).
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen sehr anspruchsvollen Job in der IT-Branche.
He has a very demanding job in the IT industry.
Describing people
To describe a person with high expectations, 'anspruchsvoll' (demanding) is often used in combinations such as 'anspruchsvoller Kunde' (demanding customer), 'anspruchsvoller Chef' (demanding boss), or 'anspruchsvoller Geschmack' (refined/demanding taste).
EXAMPLE
Unser neuer Chef ist sehr anspruchsvoll, aber fair.
Our new boss is very demanding but fair.
Compare with
schwerschwierigkompliziertanstrengendsportlichaufwendigaufwändigheikelraffiniertambitioniertavanciertwählerischforderndtoughherausfordernd
anspruchsvoll vs schwer
heavy / difficult
Schwer and anspruchsvoll can both describe a task with high demands. Schwer mainly emphasizes that it is difficult to manage. Anspruchsvoll can additionally highlight in a positive way that it is complex and requires a high level of ability.
anspruchsvoll
Das Klavierstück ist anspruchsvoll und verlangt auch von erfahrenen Musikern viel Können.
The piano piece is demanding and requires a great deal of skill even from experienced musicians.
schwer
Das Klavierstück ist für Anfänger schwer zu spielen.
The piano piece is difficult for beginners to play.
In real life
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