01
die Beanspruchung
strain
The stress or demand placed on a person physically or mentally.
example
Die hohe Arbeitsbelastung führte zu einer starken nervlichen Beanspruchung.
The heavy workload led to severe nervous strain.
die Beanspruchung
strain / use
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word is derived from the verb 'beanspruchen' (to claim/to strain), which means 'einen Anspruch auf etwas erheben' (to lay claim to something) or 'etwas belasten' (to put strain on something). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or result.
EXAMPLE
Ein Motor wird bei hohen Drehzahlen stark beansprucht.
An engine is heavily strained at high revolutions.
Typical adjectives
When referring to strain on people, 'Beanspruchung' (strain) is often combined with adjectives such as 'stark' (strong/severe), 'hoch' (high), 'körperlich' (physical), 'psychisch' (psychological), or 'nervlich' (nervous).
EXAMPLE
Die ständige psychische Beanspruchung im Job machte ihn krank.
The constant psychological strain at work made him ill.
Technical context
You can recognize the meaning 'Belastung eines Materials' (stress/strain on a material) from the technical context. Pay attention to words such as 'Material' (material), 'Bauteil' (component), 'mechanisch' (mechanical), 'thermisch' (thermal), or 'physikalisch' (physical).
EXAMPLE
Die Brücke ist für eine hohe mechanische Beanspruchung ausgelegt.
The bridge is designed for high mechanical strain.
Formal usage
'Beanspruchung von Leistungen' (use/claiming of benefits or services) is a formal expression often used in administrative or official texts. It describes the use of rights or services.
EXAMPLE
Die Beanspruchung des Elterngeldes muss schriftlich beantragt werden.
The claiming of parental allowance must be applied for in writing.
Compare with
Beanspruchung vs Anspruch
claim / demand
'der Anspruch' and 'die Beanspruchung' look similar and both have to do with demanding or using something. Still, they are used differently. 'Anspruch' means a right or claim to something, for example to money, help, or vacation. In the fixed expression 'in Anspruch nehmen' (to make use of / to take up), it means to use something or to take up someone's time. 'Beanspruchung' more often means the strain caused by this use or demand, whether physical, mental, or also formal. They are easy to confuse because of their similar form. Remember: 'Anspruch' is more about asking: What do I have a right to? 'Beanspruchung' is more about asking: How much is someone or something being strained?
Beanspruchung
Nach dem langen Umzug war die körperliche Beanspruchung deutlich zu spüren.
After the long move, the physical strain was clearly noticeable.
Anspruch
Bei Krankheit haben Arbeitnehmer Anspruch auf Lohnfortzahlung.
When they are ill, employees are entitled to continued pay.
In real life
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