01
bedrücken
to weigh down
To cause someone to feel worry, sadness, or inner pressure. It describes a psychological burden.
example
Die ungewisse Zukunft seiner Firma bedrückt ihn sehr.
The uncertain future of his company weighs heavily on him.
bedrücken
to weigh down
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bedrücken' (to weigh down) is an inseparable verb derived from the verb 'drücken' (to press). The prefix 'be-' is not separable and shifts the meaning from physical pressure to psychological, emotional pressure.
EXAMPLE
Die Stille im Raum bedrückte alle Anwesenden.
The silence in the room weighed on everyone present.
Sentence structure
The cause of the worry is the subject of the sentence, while the person who has the feeling is the accusative object. So the pattern is: Something (subject) bedrückt someone (accusative).
EXAMPLE
Diese schlechten Nachrichten bedrücken mich.
This bad news weighs me down.
Participles as adjectives
The participles are often used as adjectives. 'Bedrückend' (oppressive) describes a situation or atmosphere, while 'bedrückt' (downcast/depressed) describes a person's state.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit herrschte eine bedrückende Stimmung.
After the argument, there was an oppressive mood.
Compare with
bedrücken vs drücken
to press / hug
'drücken' and 'bedrücken' can both have to do with an inner burden. 'drücken' often describes in a general way that a worry or problem is weighing heavily on someone. It can be meant emotionally or physically. 'bedrücken' is more specific to feelings: something makes someone sad, uneasy, or creates inner pressure. Learners may confuse the words because they sound similar and both express burden. In practice: a worry can 'jemanden drücken' (weigh on someone); sad news or a problem can 'jemanden bedrücken' (weigh someone down).
bedrücken
Die Nachricht von der Krankheit bedrückt die ganze Familie.
The news of the illness weighs down the whole family.
drücken
Seit dem Streit drückt ihn ein schlechtes Gewissen.
Since the argument, a guilty conscience has been weighing on him.
In real life
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