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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
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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
'stark' and 'kräftig' are often close in meaning. Both can describe physical strength or clear intensity. 'stark' is very general and works for people, feelings, wind, coffee, or an effect. 'kräftig' often sounds more concrete: it describes a robust body, a full flavor, a rich color, or weather that is clearly noticeable. With people, 'kräftig' can also mean that someone is strongly built. For abstract things like 'ein starkes Argument' (a strong argument), 'kräftig' is usually not suitable.
kräftig
Die Suppe schmeckt kräftig, weil viele Gewürze darin sind.
The soup has a strong flavor because it has a lot of spices in it.
stark
Nach dem Training fühlt sich Ali wieder stark.
After training, Ali feels strong again.
In real life
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