01
erdrücken
to crush
To crush or kill someone or something through great weight or strong pressure.
example
Die Schneemassen drohten das kleine Haus zu erdrücken.
The masses of snow threatened to crush the small house.
erdrücken
to crush / overwhelm
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Erdrücken' (to crush/overwhelm) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' often indicates a result or the completion of an action. Here it means to overwhelm or destroy someone or something through 'Drücken' (pressing).
EXAMPLE
Die umgestürzten Bäume haben das Auto unter sich erdrückt.
The fallen trees crushed the car beneath them.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the subject. If the subject is something physical and heavy (e.g., 'die Lawine' — the avalanche), the literal meaning is intended. If it is abstract things like 'die Verantwortung' (the responsibility), 'die Sorgen' (the worries), or 'die Beweise' (the evidence), it has a figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Felsbrocken erdrückten die Bergstraße.
The boulders crushed the mountain road.
Psychological burden
In the psychological meaning, the passive voice is often used to emphasize the feeling of being overwhelmed. One is 'von' (by) something 'erdrückt' (overwhelmed).
EXAMPLE
Er fühlte sich von der Erwartungshaltung seiner Eltern erdrückt.
He felt overwhelmed by his parents' expectations.
Adjective 'erdrückend'
Especially in the meaning 'overwhelming', the present participle 'erdrückend' (overwhelming) is very frequently used as an adjective. Typical combinations are 'eine erdrückende Mehrheit' (an overwhelming majority) or 'erdrückende Beweise' (overwhelming evidence).
EXAMPLE
Gegen den Angeklagten gab es eine erdrückende Beweislast.
There was an overwhelming burden of proof against the defendant.
Compare with
erdrücken vs belasten
to burden / charge
'belasten' and 'erdrücken' can both have to do with pressure, physically or emotionally. 'belasten' is more neutral and means that something is heavy or causes someone worry. 'erdrücken' is much stronger: it sounds as if the pressure is so great that there is hardly any air or freedom left. With feelings, you use 'erdrücken' when someone feels completely overwhelmed. 'belasten' fits many ordinary worries; 'erdrücken' is for very strong pressure.
erdrücken
Die Verantwortung für das ganze Projekt erdrückt ihn fast.
The responsibility for the whole project is almost overwhelming him.
belasten
Die vielen Rechnungen belasten die Familie in diesem Monat.
The many bills are burdening the family this month.
In real life
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