to force
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to force
To impose or push something through against another person's will or against resistance using pressure, force, or authority.
Die Polizei musste den Zutritt zum Gebäude erzwingen.
The police had to force entry into the building.
'Erzwingen' (to force) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' always remains attached to the stem 'zwingen' and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Man kann Respekt nicht erzwingen.
You cannot force respect.
The verb 'erzwingen' (to force) always requires an accusative object. This object is the thing that is imposed, pushed through, or achieved.
Der Streik sollte höhere Löhne erzwingen.
The strike was meant to force higher wages.
In the meaning 'durchsetzen' (to impose/push through), 'erzwingen' (to force) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'eine Entscheidung' (a decision), 'eine Antwort' (an answer), 'Gehorsam' (obedience), or 'einen Zugang' (access).
Der Anwalt will mit einer Klage die Veröffentlichung der Dokumente erzwingen.
The lawyer wants to force the publication of the documents through a lawsuit.
This meaning of 'erzwingen' (to force) is used very often in sports. Typical combinations are 'ein Tor erzwingen' (to force a goal), 'einen Elfmeter erzwingen' (to force a penalty), or 'einen Sieg erzwingen' (to force a victory). It describes a result that is achieved through struggle and great effort.
Der Stürmer konnte kurz vor Schluss den Siegtreffer erzwingen.
The striker was able to force the winning goal shortly before the end.
to reach
'erreichen' and 'erzwingen' can both express that a result comes about. 'erreichen' is neutral: you achieve a goal through work, planning, or development. 'erzwingen' sounds stronger and often more negative, because pressure, resistance, or great persistence is involved. You can achieve a success without pushing anyone. When something is imposed against other people's will or against strong resistance, 'erzwingen' is more precise. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a result, but 'erzwingen' also says something about the way it happens: through pressure or struggle.
Die Mannschaft erzwingt in der letzten Minute noch den Ausgleich.
The team forces an equalizer in the final minute.
Mit einem klaren Plan erreichen wir das Ziel bis Ende des Monats.
With a clear plan, we will achieve the goal by the end of the month.