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 belasten
to burden / charge
Both words describe the emotional effect of worries or bad news. “Belasten” emphasizes a longer-lasting psychological burden or strain, while “bedrücken” emphasizes feelings of worry, sadness, or inner pressure. “Belasten” is suitable for a lasting burden, while “bedrücken” is more suitable for a distressing feeling.
bedrücken
Die Nachricht vom Unfall bedrückt ihn sehr.
The news of the accident is deeply upsetting him.
belasten
Die ungewisse Zukunft belastet ihn seit Monaten.
The uncertain future has been weighing on him for months.
In real life
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