01
zwingen zu
to force into
To make someone do something against their will using force, pressure, or authority.
example
Die Umstände zwangen ihn dazu, sein Haus zu verkaufen.
The circumstances forced him to sell his house.
zwingen
to force
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with 'zu'
The verb 'zwingen' (to force) is very often used with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. This construction describes what someone, or you yourself, is forced to do.
EXAMPLE
Der Regen zwang uns zur Umkehr.
The rain forced us to turn back.
Infinitive with 'zu'
A very common alternative to the preposition 'zu' is an infinitive construction. In this pattern, the object is followed by a comma and an infinitive clause with 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Niemand kann dich zwingen, das zu unterschreiben.
No one can force you to sign that.
Reflexive use
When a person makes themselves do something, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich zwingen' (to force oneself). The reflexive pronoun is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sie zwang sich, trotz der Müdigkeit weiterzuarbeiten.
She forced herself to keep working despite being tired.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'to move something with force' by the fact that the accusative object is a thing, not a person. Usually, a preposition follows that indicates a direction or place.
EXAMPLE
Sie zwang die Tür mit Gewalt auf.
She forced the door open with force.
Compare with
zwingen vs bringen
to bring
'bringen' and 'zwingen' can both mean that someone ends up doing something because another person has influence. The difference lies in the strength. 'Jemanden dazu bringen' (to get someone to do something) can happen through requests, arguments, pressure, or a situation. It does not always have to be harsh or against the person's will. 'zwingen' is much stronger: someone does something against their will because there is pressure, power, or no real choice. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected to another person's action. If you want to clearly say that someone has no free choice, 'zwingen' fits better.
zwingen
Der starke Regen zwang uns, das Training früher zu beenden.
The heavy rain forced us to end training early.
bringen
Die freundliche Erinnerung hat mich dazu gebracht, endlich die Rechnung zu bezahlen.
The friendly reminder got me to finally pay the bill.
In real life
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