die Anstrengung
exertion
The use of physical or mental energy that is experienced as strenuous or tiring.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung spürte sie die Anstrengung in ihren Beinen.
After the long hike, she felt the exertion in her legs.
die Anstrengung
effort / exertion
die Anstrengung, die Anstrengungen
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Meanings
die Anstrengung
effort
A targeted effort or attempt to achieve a specific goal. Often used in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung unternimmt große Anstrengungen, um die Arbeitslosigkeit zu senken.
The government is making great efforts to reduce unemployment.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Anstrengung, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Anstrengungen |
| genitive | der Anstrengung |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Anstrengung | die Anstrengungen |
| accusative | die Anstrengung | die Anstrengungen |
| dative | der Anstrengung | den Anstrengungen |
| genitive | der Anstrengung | der Anstrengungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Die Anstrengung' (effort / exertion) is a noun derived from the verb 'sich anstrengen' (to make an effort / to exert oneself). The ending '-ung' turns the action of the verb into a feminine noun.
EXAMPLE
Das Lernen für die Prüfung erfordert viel Anstrengung.
Studying for the exam requires a lot of effort.
Singular vs. plural
The meaning often depends on the number. In the singular, 'Anstrengung' usually describes general exertion, often physical. In the plural ('Anstrengungen'), it almost always means targeted attempts or measures to achieve a goal.
EXAMPLE
Allein die Anstrengung beim Treppensteigen machte ihn müde.
The exertion of climbing the stairs alone made him tired.
Typical verb pairing
In the meaning of 'Bemühung' (effort), the word is very commonly used in the plural with the verb 'unternehmen' (to undertake). The fixed expression is 'Anstrengungen unternehmen' (to make efforts).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen unternimmt enorme Anstrengungen, um nachhaltiger zu werden.
The company is making enormous efforts to become more sustainable.
Typical collocations
When referring to the use of energy, 'Anstrengung' (exertion) is often used with prepositions that describe the degree. Typical phrases are 'mit großer Anstrengung' (with great effort), 'unter Anstrengung' (with exertion), or 'ohne die geringste Anstrengung' (without the slightest effort).
EXAMPLE
Er konnte das schwere Paket nur mit letzter Anstrengung heben.
He could lift the heavy package only with one last effort.
Compare with
Anstrengung vs Einsatz
operation / effort / use
Der Einsatz and die Anstrengung can both refer to personal effort toward a goal. Einsatz emphasizes commitment and willingness, while Anstrengung emphasizes the physical or mental energy that is experienced as tiring. Use “Einsatz” for committed participation and “Anstrengung” for strenuous exertion.
Anstrengung
Nach der Anstrengung bei der Vorbereitung brauchte sie eine Pause.
After the exertion involved in preparing, she needed a break.
Einsatz
Mit großem Einsatz half sie dem Team bei der Vorbereitung.
She helped the team prepare with great commitment.
In real life
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