Schwachen

Schwachen is a German noun formed from the adjective schwach (weak) and is used to refer collectively to people who are weak or vulnerable. In everyday language and in written discourse, die Schwachen denotes individuals who lack physical strength, resources, political influence, or social power. The term appears in ethical, religious, and political contexts to discuss duties of others—families, communities, or the state—toward those who are less able to defend their interests.

In grammar, Schwachen is the noun form related to the stem schwach. The standard plural is die Schwachen, often used to speak of a defined group. The dative plural is den Schwachen, and the genitive plural der Schwachen. The singular forms are der Schwache (masculine), die Schwache (feminine), and das Schwache (neuter).

Usage notes: The term can designate vulnerability in various dimensions, including economic hardship, disability, age, or illness, and it frequently appears in debates about social policy, welfare, and ethics. Because it can carry moral judgments or paternalistic overtones, many writers prefer more specific expressions such as Bedürftige (the needy), Schutzbedürftige (the people in need of protection), or Benachteiligte (the disadvantaged) when appropriate.

See also: Vulnerability in German discourse; related concepts in philosophy, theology, and social policy; comparisons with terms like Bedürftige or Benachteiligte.