tractive force / appeal
die Zugkraft, die Zugkräfte
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tractive force
The force with which something is pulled or can pull. In physics and engineering, the term particularly refers to the force exerted by a vehicle, machine, or other object when pulling.
Die Lokomotive hat genug Zugkraft, um den schweren Güterzug den Berg hinaufzuziehen.
The locomotive has enough tractive force to pull the heavy freight train up the mountain.
appeal
The ability of a person, organization, or idea to influence, attract, or interest other people.
Die Zugkraft der bekannten Schauspielerin lockte viele Besucher in das kleine Theater.
The famous actress's appeal drew many visitors to the small theater.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Zugkräfte |
| genitive | der Zugkraft |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Zugkraft | die Zugkräfte |
| accusative | die Zugkraft | die Zugkräfte |
| dative | der Zugkraft | den Zugkräften |
| genitive | der Zugkraft | der Zugkräfte |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Zugkraft' consists of 'Zug' (pull) and 'Kraft' (force). The component 'Zug' belongs to the word family of 'ziehen' (to pull); this connection also helps explain the figurative use.
Die Zugkraft des Motors reicht aus, um den beladenen Anhänger zu ziehen.
The engine's tractive force is sufficient to pull the loaded trailer.
In technical descriptions, the collocations 'maximale Zugkraft' (maximum tractive force) and 'erforderliche Zugkraft' (required tractive force) are common. Figures for tractive force are usually given in newtons or kilonewtons.
Die maximale Zugkraft der Seilwinde beträgt fünf Kilonewton.
The winch's maximum tractive force is five kilonewtons.
In the figurative sense, 'Zugkraft besitzen' (to have appeal) and 'an Zugkraft verlieren' (to lose appeal) are common collocations. In 'an Zugkraft verlieren', 'an' takes the dative; this describes a declining effect on other people.
Nach mehreren erfolglosen Filmen hat der Schauspieler an Zugkraft verloren.
After several unsuccessful films, the actor lost appeal.
