01
stark
strong
Has a lot of physical strength.
example
Er ist stark genug, um die schwere Kiste allein zu tragen.
He is strong enough to carry the heavy box by himself.
stark
strong
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Use as an adverb
'Stark' (strong) can be used like an adverb to intensify a verb or another adjective. It then means 'very' or 'intensely'.
EXAMPLE
Es hat die ganze Nacht stark geregnet.
It rained heavily all night.
Word family
The adjective 'stark' (strong) belongs to a word family with the noun 'die Stärke' (strength) and the verb 'stärken' (to strengthen, to make something strong). This connection helps with understanding and usage.
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiger Sport stärkt das Immunsystem.
Regular exercise strengthens the immune system.
Typical collocations
To express intensity, 'stark' (strong) is often combined with natural phenomena, feelings, or sensory impressions. Common examples are 'starker Wind' (strong wind), 'starker Verkehr' (heavy traffic), 'starke Schmerzen' (severe pain), or 'ein starker Geruch' (a strong smell).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des starken Nebels konnte man kaum etwas sehen.
Because of the thick fog, you could hardly see anything.
Drinks and substances
In connection with drinks, foods, or medications, 'stark' (strong) means that something has a high concentration of a particular ingredient. Typical examples are strong coffee, strong tea, or heavily spiced food.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Kaffee ist sehr stark, ich kann danach nicht schlafen.
This coffee is very strong; I can't sleep after drinking it.
Colloquial exclamation
In colloquial language, 'Stark!' can be used as a single word or short sentence to express admiration or approval. It then means something like 'Great!' or 'Impressive!'.
EXAMPLE
Du hast den Marathon geschafft? Stark!
You finished the marathon? Awesome!
Grammatical term
The meaning 'starkes Verb' (strong verb) is a technical term from grammar. You will encounter this word in textbooks or German class when it comes to the conjugation of irregular verbs.
EXAMPLE
In der Liste musst du alle starken Verben markieren.
In the list, you have to mark all the strong verbs.
Compare with
stark vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'stark' can both express that something is present to a high degree. 'sehr' is a general intensifier and often comes before adjectives or adverbs. 'stark' more often describes high intensity, for example with wind, rain, pain, feelings, or changes. Learners may confuse the words because both express an increase in degree. A practical tip: 'sehr' fits very broadly, while 'stark' fits especially well when you mean force, effect, or intensity.
stark
Für die Präsentation brauchen wir im Besprechungsraum ein starkes WLAN-Signal.
For the presentation, we need a strong Wi-Fi signal in the meeting room.
sehr
Nach der Nachricht war die Stimmung im Büro sehr ruhig.
After the news, the mood in the office was very calm.
In real life
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