force of nature
die Naturgewalt, die Naturgewalten
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force of nature
An especially powerful force or phenomenon of nature that affects people and their surroundings and often causes extensive damage.
Die Naturgewalt des Erdbebens zerstörte zahlreiche Häuser.
The force of nature unleashed by the earthquake destroyed numerous houses.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Naturgewalten |
| genitive | der Naturgewalt |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Naturgewalt | die Naturgewalten |
| accusative | die Naturgewalt | die Naturgewalten |
| dative | der Naturgewalt | den Naturgewalten |
| genitive | der Naturgewalt | der Naturgewalten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Naturgewalt' (force of nature) is made up of 'Natur' (nature) and 'Gewalt' (force/power). Here, 'Gewalt' refers to an especially powerful force that originates in nature.
Die Menschen konnten sich gegen die Naturgewalt des Vulkans kaum schützen.
People could hardly protect themselves against the force of nature unleashed by the volcano.
Common expressions include 'den Naturgewalten ausgesetzt sein' (to be exposed to the forces of nature), 'sich vor Naturgewalten schützen' (to protect oneself from the forces of nature), and 'den Naturgewalten trotzen' (to withstand the forces of nature). The word is often used in the plural when several powerful natural forces are meant.
Die Bewohner der Küstenregion sind jedes Jahr starken Naturgewalten ausgesetzt.
The residents of the coastal region are exposed to powerful forces of nature every year.
A genitive can be used to specify which natural phenomenon the force originates from. Common examples that follow include 'des Wassers' (of the water), 'des Meeres' (of the sea), or 'des Windes' (of the wind).
Die Naturgewalt des Meeres hat die Küste über Jahrhunderte verändert.
The force of the sea has changed the coastline over the centuries.
