strain / hardship
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strain / hardship
A great physical or emotional strain, effort, or hardship. The word is very often used in the plural.
Nach den Strapazen der langen Reise waren alle froh, endlich im Hotel anzukommen.
After the hardships of the long journey, everyone was glad to finally arrive at the hotel.
Although the singular 'die Strapaze' (the strain/hardship) exists, the word is used much more often in the plural 'die Strapazen' (the strains/hardships). It then describes a series of efforts or a strenuous phase.
Er erholt sich gerade von den Strapazen der Operation.
He is currently recovering from the hardships of the operation.
Common verbs with 'Strapazen' (hardships/strains) are 'auf sich nehmen' (to take upon oneself), 'überstehen' (to get through), or 'sich erholen von' (to recover from). A genitive is often used to describe where the strain comes from.
Die Strapazen des langen Fluges waren schnell vergessen.
The hardships of the long flight were quickly forgotten.
'Strapaze' (strain/hardship) belongs to a rather elevated or written style. It expresses a particularly high and often long-lasting burden.
Die Flucht war eine einzige Strapaze für die ganze Familie.
The escape was one long ordeal for the whole family.
effort / exertion
Both words refer to a physically or emotionally demanding activity. “Anstrengung” is the neutral term for the effort required, while “Strapaze” suggests a particularly exhausting and arduous burden. Use “Anstrengung” in general, and “Strapaze” when the strain seems clearly more severe.
Die lange Wanderung war eine schwere Strapaze für uns.
The long hike was a severe strain for us.
Die lange Wanderung war eine große Anstrengung für uns.
The long hike was a great effort for us.
