01
bezwingen
to defeat
To defeat an opponent in a fight, competition, or conflict.
example
Die Heimmannschaft konnte den Favoriten überraschend mit 3:1 bezwingen.
The home team was surprisingly able to defeat the favorite 3-1.
bezwingen
to defeat / to overcome
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bezwingen' (to defeat / to overcome) is an inseparable verb derived from 'zwingen' (to force). The prefix 'be-' strengthens the meaning to 'vollständig besiegen' (to defeat completely) or 'erfolgreich meistern' (to master successfully).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft hat den amtierenden Meister bezwungen.
The team defeated the reigning champion.
Register
'Bezwingen' (to defeat / to overcome) is a strong and rather elevated word. It is used for major challenges and significant victories, not for everyday or small successes.
EXAMPLE
Es war ein langer Kampf, aber am Ende konnte er seine Krankheit bezwingen.
It was a long battle, but in the end he was able to overcome his illness.
Typical collocations
'Bezwingen' (to overcome) is used especially often in the context of nature and sports to express mastering a major difficulty. Typical phrases are 'einen Berg bezwingen' (to conquer a mountain) or 'einen Gipfel bezwingen' (to conquer a summit).
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteigergruppe wollte den höchsten Gipfel des Kontinents bezwingen.
The group of climbers wanted to conquer the continent's highest summit.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'sich beherrschen' (to control oneself), the verb is always used reflexively: 'sich bezwingen' (to control oneself). It is often followed by a construction with 'um nicht zu' (so as not to) or 'nicht zu' (not to), which describes which impulse is being suppressed.
EXAMPLE
Sie musste sich bezwingen, um nicht wütend zu antworten.
She had to control herself so as not to answer angrily.
Compare with
bezwingen vs verlieren
to lose
'verlieren' and 'bezwingen' are opposites in the context of a fight, game, or competition. Someone who loses does not win and is defeated by the opponent. Someone who 'bezwingt' someone defeats that opponent. 'bezwingen' sounds stronger and often a little more formal than 'besiegen'. It is especially suitable when the victory was difficult or the opponent was strong. The simple contrast is: one side loses, the other side defeats the opponent.
bezwingen
Im letzten Spiel bezwingt die Mannschaft den starken Gegner.
In the last game, the team defeats the strong opponent.
verlieren
Anna verliert das Finale knapp mit einem Punkt Unterschied.
Anna loses the final narrowly, by one point.
In real life
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