01
die Müdigkeit
tiredness
The state in which you feel physically or mentally exhausted and have a need for sleep or rest.
example
Nach der langen Wanderung überkam ihn eine große Müdigkeit.
After the long hike, a great tiredness came over him.
die Müdigkeit
tiredness / fatigue
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation with '-keit'
The noun 'Müdigkeit' (tiredness) is derived from the adjective 'müde' (tired). The ending '-keit' is a typical way to form abstract, feminine nouns from adjectives.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Müdigkeit war nach dem langen Arbeitstag verständlich.
Her tiredness was understandable after the long workday.
No plural
'Müdigkeit' (tiredness) is an abstract noun and is normally used only in the singular. You speak of 'viel Müdigkeit' (a lot of tiredness) or 'großer Müdigkeit' (great tiredness), but not of several tirednesses.
EXAMPLE
Trotz großer Müdigkeit arbeitete sie weiter an ihrem Projekt.
Despite great tiredness, she continued working on her project.
Typical collocations
In connection with physical exhaustion, 'Müdigkeit' (tiredness) is often used with verbs like 'verspüren' (to feel), 'fühlen' (to feel), or 'bekämpfen' (to fight). A common phrase is also 'von Müdigkeit übermannt werden' (to be overcome by tiredness).
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, mit einem Kaffee gegen die Müdigkeit anzukämpfen.
He tried to fight the tiredness with a coffee.
Context clue
When 'Müdigkeit' (weariness) describes being fed up with something, it often appears in the context of long-term activities or professions. Phrases like 'eine gewisse Müdigkeit' (a certain weariness) or compounds like 'Amtsmüdigkeit' (weariness of office) point to this figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Nach zehn Jahren im selben Job zeigte sich eine deutliche Müdigkeit im Team.
After ten years in the same job, a clear weariness appeared in the team.
Compare with
Müdigkeit vs Energy
energy drink / energy
'die Energy' and 'die Müdigkeit' are opposites here. In this use, 'Energy' means strength, drive, or a lively aura. 'Müdigkeit', on the other hand, means that you are exhausted and need rest or sleep. It can also mean that you no longer feel like doing something. 'Energy' sounds more colloquial or advertising-like, while 'Müdigkeit' is a normal word for a physical or mental state.
Müdigkeit
Nach der langen Fahrt war die Müdigkeit bei allen deutlich zu spüren.
After the long drive, everyone could clearly feel the tiredness.
Energy
Trotz des langen Tages bringt er noch viel Energy in das Projekt.
Despite the long day, he still brings a lot of energy to the project.
In real life
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