01
eisern
ironclad
In a figurative sense: uncompromising, strict, strong-willed, or unwavering.
example
Sie verfolgte ihr Ziel mit eiserner Disziplin.
She pursued her goal with ironclad discipline.
eisern
iron / ironclad
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word family
'Eisern' (iron / ironclad) is the adjective derived from the noun 'das Eisen' (iron). The figurative meaning comes from the properties of the metal: hard, strong, and unbending.
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen eisernen Willen und gibt niemals auf.
He has an iron will and never gives up.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the noun. If 'eisern' (ironclad) refers to an abstract concept like 'Wille' (will), 'Disziplin' (discipline), or 'Regel' (rule), the figurative meaning is intended. If it refers to an object like 'Tor' (gate) or 'Kette' (chain), it refers to the material.
EXAMPLE
Er befolgt die Regeln mit eiserner Konsequenz.
He follows the rules with ironclad consistency.
Typical collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'eisern' (ironclad) is often combined with abstract nouns to express strength or uncompromising firmness. Common combinations are: 'eiserner Wille' (iron will), 'eiserne Disziplin' (ironclad discipline), and 'eisernes Schweigen' (stony silence).
EXAMPLE
Trotz der Provokationen bewahrte er ein eisernes Schweigen.
Despite the provocations, he maintained a stony silence.
Fixed expression
The expression 'eiserne Reserve' (emergency reserve) is a fixed phrase for emergency savings or supplies that may only be used in an emergency. Here, 'eisern' means 'untouchable'.
EXAMPLE
Jeden Monat lege ich 50 Euro für meine eiserne Reserve zur Seite.
Every month I set aside 50 euros for my emergency reserve.
Compare with
eisern vs hart
hard
'hart' and 'eisern' can both describe a strict or uncompromising attitude. 'hart' is broader and can also mean that someone is strict, ruthless, or not very yielding. 'eisern' mainly emphasizes strong will and perseverance: Someone sticks to a rule, a plan, or a goal and does not give in. Learners may confuse the words because both sound strict. 'hart' fits better for a judgment or behavior toward others. 'eisern' fits especially well with discipline, rules, and perseverance.
eisern
Trotz vieler Einladungen hält du deinen Trainingsplan eisern ein.
Despite many invitations, you stick firmly to your training plan.
hart
Im Training ist Mia hart zu sich selbst, weil sie besser werden will.
In training, Mia is hard on herself because she wants to improve.
In real life
Loading video examples...