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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
sich zwingen zu
to force oneself
To make yourself do something unpleasant or strenuous.
EXAMPLE
Ich musste mich wirklich zwingen, bei dem kalten Wetter joggen zu gehen.
I really had to force myself to go jogging in the cold weather.
zwingen
to force
To move something into a certain position or state using strength.
EXAMPLE
Er zwang den verbogenen Schlüssel ins Schloss.
He forced the bent key into the lock.
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 verpflichten
to oblige / commit
Both words can express that someone has to do something. Verpflichten usually refers to a duty imposed by law, contract, or rule, without necessarily implying immediate force. Zwingen, by contrast, emphasizes pressure, violence, or authority against the affected person's will.
zwingen
Der starke Rauch zwang die Bewohner, das Gebäude sofort zu verlassen.
The heavy smoke forced the residents to leave the building immediately.
verpflichten
Das neue Gesetz verpflichtet die Vermieter, die Heizungen regelmäßig zu prüfen.
The new law obliges landlords to inspect the heating systems regularly.
In real life
Loading video examples...