kräftig
strong
Refers to physical strength; muscular and robust.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein kräftiger Mann und kann schwere Kisten heben.
He is a strong man and can lift heavy boxes.
kräftig
strong / intense
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Meanings
kräftig
intense
Intense in taste, color, or smell.
EXAMPLE
Die Suppe ist sehr kräftig gewürzt.
The soup is very intensely seasoned.
kräftig
hearty
Rich and filling, usually in reference to a meal.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung brauchen wir ein kräftiges Abendessen.
After the long hike, we need a hearty dinner.
kräftig
strong
Strong and clearly noticeable, for example with wind, rain, or applause.
EXAMPLE
Ein kräftiger Wind wehte vom Meer her.
A strong wind was blowing in from the sea.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'kräftig' (strong/intense) is derived directly from the noun 'die Kraft' (strength/power). Something that is 'kräftig' therefore has a lot of power, strength, or intensity.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Arbeit braucht man kräftige Arme.
You need strong arms for this work.
Use as an adverb
'Kräftig' can also be used as an adverb to intensify a verb. It then means something like 'strongly,' 'intensely,' or 'with a lot of energy.'
EXAMPLE
Vor Gebrauch die Flasche bitte kräftig schütteln.
Please shake the bottle vigorously before use.
Typical collocations
In relation to the senses, 'kräftig' (intense) is often used for intense impressions. Typical combinations are 'ein kräftiger Kaffee' (a strong coffee), 'ein kräftiger Käse' (a strong cheese), 'eine kräftige Farbe' (a bold color), or 'ein kräftiger Geschmack' (an intense flavor).
EXAMPLE
Ich mag den kräftigen Geschmack von dunkler Schokolade.
I like the intense flavor of dark chocolate.
Typical meals
When it comes to food, 'kräftig' (hearty) describes a rich and filling meal. Common phrases are 'ein kräftiges Frühstück' (a hearty breakfast) or 'eine kräftige Suppe' (a hearty soup).
EXAMPLE
Ein kräftiges Frühstück gibt Energie für den ganzen Tag.
A hearty breakfast gives you energy for the whole day.
Nature and sounds
'Kräftig' (strong) also describes strong natural events or loud sounds. For example, people speak of 'ein kräftiger Wind' (a strong wind), 'ein kräftiger Regen' (heavy rain), or 'kräftiger Applaus' (strong applause).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Vorstellung gab es kräftigen Applaus für die Schauspieler.
After the performance, there was strong applause for the actors.
Compare with
kräftig vs stark
strong
For tastes, colors, or smells, both „stark“ and „kräftig“ can express a high level of intensity. „Stark“ generally indicates the degree, while „kräftig“ tends to emphasize the perception’s full, distinctive character. „Kräftig“ is therefore often suitable for a clearly noticeable taste that seems full-bodied.
kräftig
Dieser Kaffee hat einen kräftigen Geschmack.
This coffee has a full-bodied taste.
stark
Dieser Kaffee hat einen starken Geschmack.
This coffee has a strong taste.
In real life
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