Bezwingen

Bezwingen is a German verb meaning to overcome or subdue something difficult, or to conquer an opponent. It is used for physical feats, such as climbing or sports, as well as for overcoming obstacles, challenges, or inner struggles. In usage, it is transitive and commonly takes a direct object in the accusative, for example den Berg, den Gegner, eine Schwierigkeit.

Etymology and form: The verb is formed with the prefix be- attached to a stem related to zwingen, with the sense of bringing something under control or forcefully overcoming it. The infinitive is bezwingen, the past participle bezwungen, and the simple past bezwang / bezwangen. The prefix be- adds emphasis to the act of subduing or conquering.

Usage and nuance: Bezwingen often conveys a sense of complete triumph over a difficult situation rather than mere conquest in competition. It is commonly used with concrete obstacles or challenges—einen Berg bezwingen, eine Schwierigkeit bezwingen, Angst bezwingen. In athletic or combat contexts it can be synonymous with besiegen when referring to defeating a opponent, but bezwingen emphasizes the broader act of overcoming rather than scoring a victory alone.

Examples: Der Läufer bezwingt den Bergpfad. Sie hat ihre Angst bezwungen. Der Kämpfer bezwang seinen Gegner. Der Berg ist schwer zu bezwingen.

See also: überwinden, besiegen, überwältigen. Bezwingen is a versatile term in German for describing the act of overcoming, whether in physical effort, personal development, or strategic victory.