zähe

Zähe is a German adjective describing something that resists effort, is durable, or has a firm, chewy texture. It can refer to physical properties such as materials or foods (for example, a substance or dough that is tough), as well as to non-material qualities like a person’s persistence or an ongoing, stubborn situation. In everyday use, zähe often conveys a sense of resilience or tenacity.

In culinary and material contexts, zähe describes textures or compositions that are not easily cut, torn, or broken. A zähe Substanz or zähe Fasern implies stiffness or density, while in cooking, zähe Nudeln or other foods suggest chewiness rather than tenderness. In a broader sense, zähe can describe anything that requires significant effort to overcome or complete.

In figurative usage, zähe denotes mental or moral toughness. A zähe Persönlichkeit is someone who endures hardship and remains steadfast, and a zähe Aufgabe or ordeal is one that tests endurance. The term often carries a positive connotation of perseverance, though it can also imply stubbornness when applied to people or processes that resist change.

Etymology and grammar: zähe is the attributive feminine singular form of the base adjective zäh, used before feminine nouns or after a definite determiner. The base form zäh is common across standard German, with other inflected endings appearing for masculine, neuter, or plural nouns. The word is widely recognized in standard language, with extended use in dialectal or regional varieties emphasizing hardness or resilience.