relentless / unyielding
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unyielding
Describes a person who is harsh, strict, and not willing to change their opinion or give in.
Der Trainer war unerbittlich und verlangte von seinen Spielern absolute Disziplin.
The coach was unyielding and demanded absolute discipline from his players.
The word is made up of 'un-' (not), 'erbitten' (to obtain by asking), and '-lich'. So 'unerbittlich' (relentless/unyielding) describes something or someone that cannot be softened or changed by pleading.
Trotz ihrer Tränen blieb der Richter unerbittlich.
Despite her tears, the judge remained unyielding.
The meaning depends on the context: if 'unerbittlich' (relentless/unyielding) refers to a person or their decision, it means 'strict' or 'harsh'. If it refers to a force of nature or a process, it means 'unstoppable' or 'relentless'.
Mein Chef war unerbittlich und lehnte meinen Urlaubsantrag ab.
My boss was unyielding and rejected my vacation request.
When referring to people, 'unerbittlich' (unyielding) is often connected with authority figures or opponents. Typical phrases are 'ein unerbittlicher Gegner' (an unyielding opponent), 'ein unerbittlicher Kritiker' (an unyielding critic), or 'ein unerbittlicher Verfolger' (a relentless pursuer).
Der Staatsanwalt führte ein unerbittliches Kreuzverhör.
The prosecutor conducted an unyielding cross-examination.
In the impersonal meaning, the word often describes forces that cannot be controlled. Common combinations are 'die unerbittliche Hitze' (the relentless heat), 'die unerbittliche Kälte' (the relentless cold), 'das unerbittliche Schicksal' (relentless fate), or 'der unerbittliche Lauf der Zeit' (the relentless passage of time).
Die unerbittliche Logik seiner Argumente überzeugte alle.
The relentless logic of his arguments convinced everyone.
hard
'hart' and 'unerbittlich' can both express strictness and a lack of willingness to give in. 'hart' is the more general word and fits people, decisions, or judgments. 'unerbittlich' sounds stronger: someone does not give in at all, or something continues without pause and without easing up. Learners may confuse the words because both have a strict effect. If you simply mean 'strict' or 'not soft', 'hart' is often more natural. If you want to emphasize special harshness and a complete refusal to give in, 'unerbittlich' fits better.
Die Lehrerin blieb unerbittlich, obwohl mehrere Schüler um mehr Zeit baten.
The teacher remained unyielding, even though several students asked for more time.
Die Kritik war hart, aber sie hat mir geholfen.
The criticism was harsh, but it helped me.