zäh
tough
Describes the texture of foods, especially meat, that are firm and hard to chew.
EXAMPLE
Das Schnitzel war leider so zäh, dass man es kaum schneiden konnte.
Unfortunately, the schnitzel was so tough that you could hardly cut it.
zäh
tough / viscous
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Meanings
zäh
tough
Describes a process or negotiation that proceeds very slowly, laboriously, and at great length.
EXAMPLE
Nach zähen Verhandlungen einigten sich die Parteien auf einen Kompromiss.
After tough negotiations, the parties agreed on a compromise.
zäh
viscous
Describes a substance that is thick, sticky, and does not flow easily.
EXAMPLE
Der kalte Honig floss nur zäh aus dem Glas.
The cold honey flowed only sluggishly from the jar.
zäh
tough
Describes a person who is persevering, resilient, and persistent, and who does not give up easily.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl sie schon über achtzig ist, ist meine Großmutter noch eine richtig zähe Person.
Although she is already over eighty, my grandmother is still a really tough person.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'zäh' (tough/viscous) from the noun it describes. 'Zähes Fleisch' (tough meat) is hard to chew, 'zähe Verhandlungen' (tough negotiations) are lengthy, 'zäher Honig' (viscous honey) is thick, and a 'zähe Person' (tough person) is persevering.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem zähen Kampf konnte die Mannschaft das Spiel gewinnen.
After a tough fight, the team was able to win the game.
Typical collocations
In a culinary context, 'zäh' (tough) is almost always used negatively for meat or baked goods that are firm and hard to bite or cut.
EXAMPLE
Das Fleisch war leider trocken und zäh.
Unfortunately, the meat was dry and tough.
Figurative meaning
This figurative meaning describes processes that move forward slowly and laboriously. Typical collocations are 'zähe Verhandlungen' (tough negotiations), 'ein zäher Prozess' (a tough process), or 'ein zähes Ringen' (a tough struggle).
EXAMPLE
Die Suche nach einer Lösung war ein zäher Prozess.
The search for a solution was a tough process.
Physical property
This meaning describes the physical property of thick, sticky substances. It can often be combined with the verb 'fließen' (to flow): 'etwas fließt zäh' (something flows sluggishly).
EXAMPLE
Der Teig ist sehr zäh und lässt sich nur schwer rühren.
The dough is very viscous and is hard to stir.
Positive quality
When 'zäh' (tough) describes a person, it is usually meant positively. It means that the person is resilient, persevering, and strong-willed.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine zähe Athletin und gibt niemals auf.
She is a tough athlete and never gives up.
Compare with
zäh vs hart
hard
When talking about meat, both hart and zäh can describe an unpleasant texture. Hart emphasizes that it is firm and not soft; zäh highlights that the meat offers strong resistance when chewed and is difficult to chew.
zäh
Das zu lange gebratene Steak ist zäh und lässt sich nur schwer kauen.
The steak, which was cooked for too long, is tough and difficult to chew.
hart
Das zu lange gebratene Steak ist hart und fühlt sich sehr fest an.
The steak, which was cooked for too long, is hard and feels very firm.
In real life
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