die Wucht
force / impact
A great, often sudden force or strength that arises during a movement or collision.
EXAMPLE
Der LKW traf den Baum mit voller Wucht.
The truck hit the tree with full force.
die Wucht
force
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Meanings
die Wucht
impact / force
A great, impressive, or overwhelming effect in a figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Die Wucht der Bilder aus dem Kriegsgebiet war erschütternd.
The impact of the images from the war zone was devastating.
eine Wucht sein
to be amazing
A colloquial expression meaning that something or someone is very impressive, fantastic, or great.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert gestern Abend war echt eine Wucht!
The concert last night was really amazing!
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Wucht' (force) is related to the verb 'wuchten', which means to move something heavy with great effort. 'Die Wucht' describes the force that arises or is needed in the process.
EXAMPLE
Er musste den schweren Stein mit aller Kraft zur Seite wuchten.
He had to heave the heavy stone aside with all his strength.
Typical collocation
In the physical meaning, 'Wucht' is very often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and an adjective to describe the strength of an impact. The most common combination is 'mit voller Wucht' (with full force).
EXAMPLE
Die Welle traf das Boot mit voller Wucht.
The wave hit the boat with full force.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about a physical impact, but about the effect of abstract things such as images, words, or feelings.
EXAMPLE
Die emotionale Wucht des Films hat alle Zuschauer tief berührt.
The emotional impact of the film deeply moved all the viewers.
Fixed expression
The expression 'eine Wucht sein' (to be amazing) is a fixed phrase. The structure is always '[person/thing] + sein + eine Wucht'.
EXAMPLE
Deine neue Frisur ist echt eine Wucht!
Your new hairstyle is really amazing!
Register: colloquial
The expression 'eine Wucht sein' (to be amazing) is used almost exclusively in informal everyday language to express enthusiasm.
EXAMPLE
Danke für das tolle Geschenk, du bist eine Wucht!
Thanks for the great gift, you're amazing!
Compare with
Wucht vs Kraft
strength / force
Kraft and Wucht can both refer to the strength of a movement or impact. Wucht particularly emphasizes the great, often sudden intensity of the impact, while Kraft describes the physical force more generally. Wucht is therefore often suitable for a powerful impact, while Kraft is more suitable for a general physical effect.
Wucht
Die Wucht des Aufpralls verformte die vordere Tür des Autos.
The force of the impact deformed the car’s front door.
Kraft
Die Kraft des Aufpralls verformte die vordere Tür des Autos.
The force of the impact deformed the car’s front door.
In real life
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