01
machtlos
powerless
Without power, influence, or the ability to change or control a situation.
example
Angesichts der Naturkatastrophe fühlten sich die Menschen machtlos.
In the face of the natural disaster, people felt powerless.
machtlos
powerless
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word has a simple structure: it consists of 'die Macht' (power) and the ending '-los' (-less), which means 'without'. So 'machtlos' literally means 'without power'.
EXAMPLE
Ohne die nötigen Werkzeuge war er machtlos.
Without the necessary tools, he was powerless.
Use with 'gegenüber'
To say what someone is powerless against, the preposition 'gegenüber' with the dative or 'gegen' with the accusative is often used.
EXAMPLE
Der Einzelhandel ist gegenüber der Online-Konkurrenz oft machtlos.
Retail stores are often powerless against online competition.
Typical collocations
Common phrases are 'sich machtlos fühlen' (to feel powerless) and 'machtlos zusehen müssen' (to have to watch helplessly). The latter expresses that you have to watch a negative situation without being able to intervene.
EXAMPLE
Er musste machtlos zusehen, wie das Feuer sein Haus zerstörte.
He had to watch helplessly as the fire destroyed his house.
Compare with
machtlos vs mächtig
powerful / mighty
'mächtig' and 'machtlos' form a clear contrast when it comes to influence and control. A powerful person or group can make many decisions and influence others. A powerless person can hardly change a situation, even if they want to. So 'mächtig' describes the presence of power, while 'machtlos' describes the absence of power. This contrast fits especially well in politics, work, family, or difficult situations.
machtlos
Gegen die neuen Regeln fühlten sich viele Mitarbeiter machtlos.
Many employees felt powerless against the new rules.
mächtig
Die mächtige Chefin konnte die Entscheidung allein treffen.
The powerful boss was able to make the decision on her own.
In real life
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