striking power / clout
die Schlagkraft
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clout
A person’s, group’s, or organization’s ability to act effectively and assert itself.
Durch den Zusammenschluss gewinnen die beiden kleinen Gewerkschaften deutlich an Schlagkraft.
By joining forces, the two small trade unions gained considerably more clout.
striking power
The force with which a person, tool, or machine delivers a blow.
Der Boxer ist für die enorme Schlagkraft seiner rechten Faust bekannt.
The boxer is known for the enormous striking power of his right fist.
military power
The ability of military forces to effectively engage an opponent through the use of their weapons and troops.
Die neuen Waffensysteme erhöhen die Schlagkraft der Armee.
The new weapons systems increase the army’s military power.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Schlagkraft |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Schlagkraft | – |
| accusative | die Schlagkraft | – |
| dative | der Schlagkraft | – |
| genitive | der Schlagkraft | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Schlagkraft' (striking power) is made up of 'Schlag' (blow) and 'Kraft' (power). The basic idea is the force of a blow; this also gives rise to the figurative meaning of particularly effective clout.
Die gemeinsame Kampagne hat der Bürgerinitiative mehr Schlagkraft verliehen.
The joint campaign gave the citizens’ initiative more clout.
When referring to groups or organizations, 'Schlagkraft' (clout) usually means their ability to act effectively. Words such as 'Faust' (fist), 'Hammer' (hammer), or 'Boxer' (boxer) point to the physical force of a blow, while 'Armee' (army), 'Waffen' (weapons), or 'Truppen' (troops) indicate the military context.
Die neue Leitung soll der Partei mehr Schlagkraft geben.
The new leadership is supposed to give the party more clout.
Der Boxer trainiert täglich, um seine Schlagkraft zu verbessern.
The boxer trains every day to improve his striking power.
Die Regierung will die militärische Schlagkraft des Landes erhöhen.
The government wants to increase the country’s military power.
In its figurative meaning, 'Schlagkraft' (clout) is often used with organizations and joint actions. Typical collocations include 'politische Schlagkraft' (political clout), 'organisatorische Schlagkraft' (organizational clout), and 'an Schlagkraft gewinnen' (to gain clout).
Durch die bessere Zusammenarbeit gewann das Team deutlich an Schlagkraft.
Thanks to better cooperation, the team gained considerably more clout.
In its physical meaning, 'Schlagkraft' (striking power) describes the force of a single blow, especially in boxing or when using a tool. It is often modified by words such as 'enorm' (enormous), 'stark' (strong), or 'maximal' (maximum).
Der schwere Hammer hat genug Schlagkraft, um den Stein zu zerbrechen.
The heavy hammer has enough striking power to break the stone.
In a military context, 'Schlagkraft' (military power) is often used with 'Armee' (army), 'Truppen' (troops), 'Waffensysteme' (weapons systems), or 'Luftwaffe' (air force). Typical expressions include 'militärische Schlagkraft' (military power) and 'die Schlagkraft erhöhen' (to increase military power).
Vor der Offensive wurde die Schlagkraft der Truppen durch neue Panzer erhöht.
Before the offensive, the troops’ military power was increased with new tanks.
