der Elan
vigor
A feeling of energy, enthusiasm, and inner drive with which one begins or carries out a task or activity.
EXAMPLE
Mit großem Elan machte sich das Team an die neue Herausforderung.
The team tackled the new challenge with great vigor.
der Elan
vigor
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Meanings
Usage tips
Typical expressions
'Elan' (vigor) is very often used in fixed expressions with prepositions. Especially typical are 'mit Elan' (with vigor), 'mit großem Elan' (with great vigor), or 'voller Elan' (full of vigor).
EXAMPLE
Die Studenten gingen voller Elan an das neue Projekt.
The students tackled the new project full of vigor.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used in connection with 'Elan' (vigor) describe the loss or presence of energy. Typical phrases are 'den Elan verlieren' (to lose one's vigor) or 'neuen Elan finden' (to find new vigor).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Pause war es schwer, den Elan wiederzufinden.
After the long break, it was hard to find that vigor again.
Register and style
'Elan' (vigor) is a positive and dynamic word from French. It is often used to describe the momentum and enthusiasm at the beginning of an activity and sounds somewhat more elevated than 'Energie' (energy).
EXAMPLE
Mit jugendlichem Elan startete sie ihr eigenes Unternehmen.
With youthful vigor, she started her own company.
Compare with
Elan vs Begeisterung
enthusiasm
Begeisterung and Elan can both be associated with committed work. Begeisterung refers above all to a strong feeling of joy and interest, while Elan emphasizes the energy and inner drive to act. When the feeling is the focus, Begeisterung is the right choice; when it is about starting or continuing energetically, Elan fits better.
Elan
Mit großem Elan begann sie nach der Besprechung mit der Arbeit am neuen Projekt.
With great energy, she started working on the new project after the meeting.
Begeisterung
Ihre Begeisterung für das neue Projekt war im ganzen Team deutlich zu spüren.
Her enthusiasm for the new project was clearly felt throughout the team.
In real life
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