verb
to force, to compel
B1
Means 'to force' or 'to compel'. Strong irregular verb; Präteritum zwang, past participle gezwungen. Uses haben in perfect (hat gezwungen). Not reflexive. Typical construction: jemanden zu etwas zwingen or jemanden dazu zwingen, etwas zu tun (force someone to do something). Also forms passive frequently.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Die finanzielle Situation zwang sie zu sparen.
The financial situation forced her to save money.
Ich zwinge mich, früh aufzustehen.
I force myself to get up early.
Sie hat ihn dazu gezwungen.
She forced him to do it.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
picture pushing a heavy door closed that someone refuses to close — you force it
sounds like 'swing in' — imagine swinging someone into doing something
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Strong irregular verb (zwang – gezwungen). Common in formal contexts and reports. Not reflexive.