erzwungen
forced
Not voluntary, but brought about through pressure, coercion, or violence.
EXAMPLE
Ein erzwungenes Geständnis hat vor Gericht keine Gültigkeit.
A forced confession has no validity in court.
erzwungen
forced
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Meanings
erzwungen
forced
Seeming unnatural, artificial, or strained. It lacks ease and spontaneity.
EXAMPLE
Sein Lächeln wirkte erzwungen und nicht ehrlich.
His smile seemed forced and not sincere.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Erzwungen' (forced) is the past participle of the verb 'erzwingen' (to force). It is used as an adjective to describe something that came about through coercion.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft schaffte in letzter Minute den erzwungenen Ausgleich.
The team managed to score the forced equalizer in the last minute.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, the adjective often describes actions or situations that do not happen voluntarily. Typical combinations are: 'eine erzwungene Pause' (a forced break), 'ein erzwungener Rücktritt' (a forced resignation), or 'eine erzwungene Entscheidung' (a forced decision).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Motorschadens musste das Flugzeug eine erzwungene Landung machen.
Because of the engine damage, the plane had to make a forced landing.
Typical collocations
When it comes to behavior, 'erzwungen' (forced) describes an unnatural or insincere manner. Common collocations are: 'ein erzwungenes Lächeln' (a forced smile), 'erzwungene Freundlichkeit' (forced friendliness), or 'erzwungene Ruhe' (forced calm).
EXAMPLE
Man sah an seiner erzwungenen Höflichkeit, dass er sich unwohl fühlte.
You could tell from his forced politeness that he felt uncomfortable.
Compare with
erzwungen vs künstlich
artificial
Künstlich and erzwungen can describe a reaction that lacks genuine spontaneity. Künstlich highlights imitation or a lack of authenticity, whereas erzwungen suggests pressure or something produced with strain. Choose künstlich for an affected appearance and erzwungen when someone is forcing themselves to do something.
erzwungen
Nach der unangenehmen Frage wirkte ihr Lächeln erzwungen.
Her smile seemed forced after the awkward question.
künstlich
Für die Kamera wirkte ihr Lächeln künstlich.
Her smile looked artificial for the camera.
In real life
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