01
der Druck
pressure
A physical force that acts evenly on a surface, for example air pressure or water pressure.
example
Der Druck in den Autoreifen ist zu niedrig.
The pressure in the car tires is too low.
der Druck
pressure / printing
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Druck' (pressure / printing) is the noun related to the verb 'drücken' (to press). All meanings of 'Druck' can be traced back to the basic idea of pushing or pressing, whether physically, psychologically, or when printing paper.
EXAMPLE
Drück bitte den Knopf, um die Tür zu öffnen.
Please press the button to open the door.
Typical collocations
In a physical context, 'Druck' (pressure) is often combined with the adjectives 'hoch' (high) or 'niedrig' (low). Typical verbs are 'Druck ausüben' (to exert pressure), 'den Druck erhöhen' (to increase the pressure), or 'unter Druck stehen' (to be under pressure; e.g. a container).
EXAMPLE
Der Wasserdruck in dieser Leitung ist zu niedrig.
The water pressure in this pipe is too low.
Fixed preposition
To express mental stress, the preposition 'unter' (under) is almost always used. Typical phrases are 'unter Druck stehen' (to be under pressure), 'unter Druck arbeiten' (to work under pressure), or 'unter Leistungsdruck leiden' (to suffer from pressure to perform).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann nicht gut arbeiten, wenn ich unter Zeitdruck stehe.
I can't work well when I'm under time pressure.
Typical expression
In publishing, the expression 'in den Druck gehen' (to go to print) or 'in Druck geben' (to send to print) is very common. It means that the process of printing a book or newspaper begins.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Ausgabe der Zeitschrift geht morgen in den Druck.
The new issue of the magazine goes to print tomorrow.
Sentence structure
In the fixed expression 'jemanden unter Druck setzen' (to put pressure on someone), the person being influenced is always the accusative object of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Mein Chef versucht, mich mit einer kurzen Frist unter Druck zu setzen.
My boss is trying to put pressure on me with a short deadline.
Compare with
Druck vs Kraft
strength / force
'die Kraft' and 'der Druck' can both have to do with effect, strain, or energy. 'die Kraft' is broader: it can mean physical strength, inner strength, or an active force or energy. 'der Druck' more specifically means a force that acts on a surface, for example with air or water. In addition, 'Druck' is often used for mental or social pressure, for example from deadlines or expectations. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases you sense that something is acting strongly. When it is about strength or energy, 'Kraft' usually fits. When something presses on or puts strain on someone or something, 'Druck' is more precise.
Druck
Bei der Arbeit steht Tom morgen unter großem Druck.
Tom is under a lot of pressure at work tomorrow.
Kraft
Nach der Krankheit hat sie noch nicht genug Kraft für einen langen Arbeitstag.
After the illness, she still does not have enough strength for a long workday.
In real life
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