use of force
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use of force
The use of physical force against people or objects, often in the context of state authority such as the police or military. The term is used to describe the deliberate use of coercion.
Die Polizei ist nur zur Gewaltanwendung berechtigt, wenn alle anderen Mittel ausgeschöpft sind.
The police are only authorized to use force when all other means have been exhausted.
The word consists of 'Gewalt' (violence/force) and 'Anwendung' (application/use). An 'Anwendung' is the use or application of something. 'Gewaltanwendung' therefore literally means the 'Einsatz von Gewalt' (use of force).
Die Demonstration verlief ohne Gewaltanwendung.
The demonstration proceeded without any use of force.
This term belongs to formal language and is often used in official, legal, or police contexts. It sounds very objective and detached.
Der Bericht dokumentiert jeden Fall von Gewaltanwendung durch die Sicherheitskräfte.
The report documents every case of use of force by the security forces.
Common verbs in this context are 'androhen' (to threaten), 'rechtfertigen' (to justify), or 'verhindern' (to prevent). Often the question is whether the use of force was legitimate.
Ein Angreifer kann eine Notwehrsituation und damit Gewaltanwendung rechtfertigen.
An attacker can justify a situation of self-defense and therefore the use of force.
violence / authority / force
'die Gewalt' and 'die Gewaltanwendung' are closely connected, but they emphasize different things. 'Gewalt' is the general term for physical coercion or physical attacks. 'Gewaltanwendung' means the deliberate use of force in a specific situation. The word often sounds more formal and frequently appears when talking about the police, the military, or legal questions. Learners may confuse the words because 'Gewaltanwendung' always involves violence or force being used. As a simple guide: 'Gewalt' names the problem in general, while 'Gewaltanwendung' describes the active use of force.
Die Gewaltanwendung durch die Sicherheitskräfte wird jetzt untersucht.
The use of force by the security forces is now being investigated.
Nach dem Streit sagte die Lehrerin, dass Gewalt keine Lösung ist.
After the argument, the teacher said that violence is not a solution.