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 / trouble
'die Mühe' and 'die Strapaze' both describe something as strenuous. 'Mühe' is more general and can also be normal mental or practical effort. 'Strapaze' is stronger: it refers to a heavy strain, often physical or emotional. The word often appears in the plural, for example with trips, long journeys, or difficult times. If something simply takes work, you are more likely to say 'Mühe'. If it is truly stressful or exhausting, 'Strapaze' fits better.
Nach den Strapazen der Reise wollte Herr Schwarz nur noch schlafen.
After the hardships of the journey, Mr. Schwarz just wanted to sleep.
Er gibt sich im Kurs viel Mühe mit der Aussprache.
He makes a lot of effort with pronunciation in the course.