coercion / compulsion
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coercion
External or internal pressure that causes a person to do or refrain from doing something against their will.
Er handelte nicht freiwillig, sondern unter dem Zwang der Umstände.
He did not act voluntarily, but under the coercion of circumstances.
The noun 'der Zwang' is closely related to the verb 'zwingen' (to force). When someone is forced to do something, they are 'unter Zwang' (under coercion).
Man darf niemanden zu einer Entscheidung zwingen.
One must not force anyone into a decision.
In the meaning 'Druck' (pressure), 'Zwang' is very often used with the preposition 'unter'. Typical formulations are 'unter Zwang handeln' (to act under coercion) or 'unter Zwang stehen' (to be under coercion/pressure).
Der Zeuge sagte aus, er habe unter Zwang gehandelt.
The witness testified that he had acted under coercion.
To describe a psychological compulsion, a construction with 'zu' + infinitive is often used. This describes exactly what the person feels compelled to do.
Er hat den Zwang, vor dem Schlafen alle Türen zu kontrollieren.
He has the compulsion to check all the doors before sleeping.
In a psychological context, 'Zwang' often forms compound nouns that describe the type of compulsion. Examples are 'Waschzwang' (washing compulsion), 'Kontrollzwang' (checking compulsion), or 'Ordnungszwang' (compulsion for order).
Sein Kontrollzwang macht das Zusammenleben sehr schwierig.
His checking compulsion makes living together very difficult.
pressure / printing
'der Druck' and 'der Zwang' can both describe a situation in which someone does not do something freely and calmly. 'Druck' is often a strong burden, for example because of expectations, time, or other people. You may still have a choice. 'Zwang' is stronger: a person feels forced, or really is forced, to do something against their will. Learners may confuse the words because both describe unpleasant influence. As a guide: 'Druck' fits with stress and expectations; 'Zwang' fits when freedom is clearly lacking.
Anna unterschreibt den Vertrag nur unter Zwang.
Anna signs the contract only under coercion.
Vor der Prüfung ist der Druck in der Klasse deutlich zu spüren.
Before the exam, the pressure in the class can clearly be felt.