erdrückend
oppressive
So burdensome or oppressive that one feels confined, helpless, or overwhelmed.
EXAMPLE
Die Verantwortung für die ganze Familie war für sie erdrückend.
The responsibility for her entire family was oppressive.
erdrückend
overwhelming / oppressive
erdrückend – erdrückender – am erdrückendsten
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
erdrückend
overwhelming
So great, numerous, or convincing that there is hardly any possibility of resistance or doubt.
EXAMPLE
Die Beweise gegen den Angeklagten waren erdrückend.
The evidence against the defendant was overwhelming.
Forms
Comparison
| basic form | erdrückend |
|---|---|
| comparative | erdrückender |
| superlative | am erdrückendsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to erdrückend.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to erdrückend.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to erdrückend.
Usage tips
Word family
'Erdrückend' (oppressive / overwhelming) is a participle form of the verb 'erdrücken' (to crush). The image of strong pressure helps with understanding: Feelings, obligations, or a large quantity can also exert pressure figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Die vielen Erwartungen ihrer Eltern empfand sie als erdrückend.
She found her parents' many expectations overwhelming.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include 'erdrückende Last' (oppressive burden), 'erdrückende Hitze' (oppressive heat), and 'erdrückende Stille' (oppressive silence). The word can therefore describe both physical discomfort and a burdensome atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit herrschte im Auto eine erdrückende Stille.
After the argument, there was an oppressive silence in the car.
Typical collocations
Typical expressions include 'erdrückende Mehrheit' (overwhelming majority), 'erdrückende Überlegenheit' (overwhelming superiority), and 'erdrückende Beweislast' (overwhelming body of evidence). In these expressions, 'erdrückend' (overwhelming) does not necessarily express an unpleasant feeling; instead, it emphasizes how clear-cut a result or situation is.
EXAMPLE
Der Vorschlag wurde mit erdrückender Mehrheit angenommen.
The proposal was approved by an overwhelming majority.
In real life
Loading video examples...