Anstrengungen

Anstrengungen is a plural noun in German that denotes exertions, efforts, or endeavors. It can refer to physical or mental labor, as well as to organized or collective attempts. In English it is commonly translated as “efforts” or “endeavors.”

Etymology and form: The term stems from the verb anstrengen, meaning to strain or exert oneself. It combines the prefix an- with streng(en) and appears in older forms such as anstrengunge in Middle High German. The noun Anstrengung (singular) gives rise to the plural Anstrengungen.

Usage and nuance: Anstrengungen often emphasize the degree of effort or hardship involved, rather than the outcome alone. It is frequently used in formal or official contexts, such as politics, administration, or organizational discourse. Collocations include große Anstrengungen, erhebliche Anstrengungen, and Anstrengungen unternommen/unternehmen. The word is closely related to, but broader than, Bemühungen (endeavors) or Mühen (toils), with Anstrengungen leaning more toward sustained or strenuous action.

See also and related terms: Synonyms and near-synonyms include Bemühungen, Mühen, Einsatz. In English-language contexts, related terms are “efforts” and “endeavors.” The choice among these words can convey subtle differences in emphasis on difficulty, initiative, or outcome.

Example sentences: Die Regierung kündigte neue Anstrengungen zur Reduzierung der Emissionen an. Die Anstrengungen der Freiwilligen führten zu spürbaren Verbesserungen in der Nachbarschaft.