to get down / break
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not to let it get one down
Not to let oneself be discouraged or defeated by difficulties, setbacks, or negative influences.
Trotz der vielen Probleme lässt sie sich nicht unterkriegen und kämpft weiter.
Despite the many problems, she doesn't let it get her down and keeps fighting.
to break someone
To defeat, overwhelm, or morally break someone. This use is less common than the reflexive form.
Sie versuchten, ihn mit ständigen Vorwürfen unterzukriegen.
They tried to break him with constant accusations.
'Unterkriegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'unter-' comes at the end in a main clause, stays attached to the verb in a subordinate clause, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb.
So leicht kriegt man mich nicht unter.
You won't break me that easily.
By far the most common use of this verb is the fixed expression 'sich nicht unterkriegen lassen' (not to let it get one down). It expresses that someone remains strong and optimistic despite difficulties.
Lass dich von diesem kleinen Rückschlag bloß nicht unterkriegen!
Don't let this small setback get you down!
In the expression 'sich nicht unterkriegen lassen' (not to let it get one down), the cause of the difficulties is often introduced with the preposition 'von' plus the dative.
Sie lässt sich von der negativen Kritik nicht unterkriegen.
She doesn't let the negative criticism get her down.
to find accommodation
Unterkriegen and unterkommen are not interchangeable here. Someone who sich nicht unterkriegen lässt is not defeated or discouraged by difficulties. Someone who unterkommt, on the other hand, finds accommodation or a place to sleep.
Trotz der schwierigen Wohnungssuche ließ sich Mia nicht unterkriegen.
Despite the difficult search for an apartment, Mia did not let it get her down.
Nach der schwierigen Wohnungssuche kam Mia vorübergehend bei Freunden unter.
After the difficult search for an apartment, Mia found a temporary place to stay with friends.
