heaviness / burden / severity
die Schwere
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heaviness
The property of an object or material of being heavy; its weight or the force with which it pulls downward.
An der Schwere der Kiste merkte sie, dass darin viele Bücher lagen.
She could tell from the heaviness of the crate that it contained many books.
burden
A burdensome or oppressive load weighing on someone, for example due to responsibility, worries, or grief.
Die Schwere der Verantwortung machte ihm lange zu schaffen.
The burden of responsibility troubled him for a long time.
severity
The degree to which an illness, injury, crime, or other situation is serious and dangerous.
Die Ärztin erklärte der Familie die Schwere der Verletzung.
The doctor explained the severity of the injury to the family.
gravity / seriousness
Seriousness and oppressiveness in a mood, expression, or situation.
Die Schwere seiner Worte war im ganzen Raum zu spüren.
The gravity of his words could be felt throughout the room.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Schwere |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Schwere | – |
| accusative | die Schwere | – |
| dative | der Schwere | – |
| genitive | der Schwere | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Schwere' (heaviness) is derived from the adjective 'schwer' (heavy) and belongs to its word family. Depending on the context, the word refers to a physically measurable property or to a figurative burden or seriousness.
Die Schwere des Metalls war beim Anheben deutlich zu spüren.
The heaviness of the metal was clearly noticeable when it was lifted.
In its physical meaning, 'Schwere' (heaviness) is often used with objects, materials, or weights. Typical collocations are 'die Schwere eines Gegenstands' (the heaviness of an object) and 'an der Schwere von etwas merken' (to tell from the heaviness of something).
Die Schwere des Koffers überraschte den Taxifahrer.
The heaviness of the suitcase surprised the taxi driver.
In its figurative meaning, 'Schwere' (burden) is often combined with abstract burdens such as responsibility, worries, or grief. The genitive phrase that follows states what is perceived as a burden.
Die Schwere der Sorgen ließ ihn nachts kaum schlafen.
The weight of his worries kept him from sleeping at night.
In connection with illnesses, injuries, and crimes, 'Schwere' (severity) often refers to a degree that is assessed more precisely or evaluated medically or legally. Typical collocations are 'die Schwere der Erkrankung' (the severity of the illness), 'die Schwere der Verletzung' (the severity of the injury), and 'die Schwere der Tat' (the severity of the crime).
Die Ärzte mussten zunächst die Schwere der Erkrankung feststellen.
The doctors first had to determine the severity of the illness.
When referring to a mood or words, 'Schwere' (gravity) often indicates a serious, oppressive impression. The word is frequently used with 'Worte' (words) or 'Stimmung' (mood).
Die Schwere der Stimmung löste sich erst, als jemand einen Witz machte.
The heaviness of the mood lifted only when someone told a joke.
