Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| zwingend | /ˈt͡svɪŋənt/ |
| fesselnd |
The translation depends on whether the compelling nature of something is based on logic or on capturing attention. Use zwingend for things that are irresistible or a logical necessity. Use fesselnd for things that are captivating or enthralling.
What does it mean word for word?
The word zwingend is derived from the verb zwingen, which means 'to force' or 'to compel'. The word fesselnd is derived from the verb fesseln, which means 'to bind' or 'to shackle', used here metaphorically to mean holding one's attention.
Which one should you use?
Use zwingend when referring to a compelling argument, reason or evidence that is logically inescapable or mandatory. Use fesselnd when referring to something that captures attention, such as a book, a movie or a story.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsvɪŋənt/
Did you know?
- If you use zwingend to describe a person, you are no longer talking about their personality, but implying they are 'coercive' or 'authoritarian'.
- The word fesselnd shares the same root as Fesseln, which refers to physical shackles. When a German speaker calls a movie 'compelling', they are literally saying it has 'chained' them to their seat.
- In a logical debate, a zwingende Logik is not just 'strong' logic, but logic that leaves the opponent with no possible exit. It describes a mental dead end where only one conclusion is possible.
Examples in context
- „Warum mußtest du denn jeder Kartoffel in der Küche einen Schnurrbart verpassen?“ – „Die sahen irgendwie so aus, als bräuchten sie einen.“ – „Kartoffeln brauchen keinen Schnurrbart!“ – „Die schon!“ – „Warum?“ – „Darum!“ – „‚Darum!‘ – das ist so ein zwingendes Argument, daß du mich überzeugt hast!“"Why did you draw a moustache on every potato in the kitchen?" "They looked like they needed moustaches." "Potatoes do not need moustaches." "These ones did." "Why?" "Because." "'Because.' That is such a compelling argument you have convinced me."This sentence shows how zwingend can be used to describe a compelling argument.Tatoeba #13942371 by Waldelfe, translation #13942370 by Waldelfe
- Die Präsentation war äußerst überzeugendThe presentation was extremely compelling
- Seine Ausführungen sind plausibelHis explanations are compelling
- Der Film war fesselndThe movie was compelling
- Dieses Buch ist so fesselnd, dass ich es in einem Zug durchgelesen habe!This book is so compelling that I read it in one go!
- Ihre Geschichte war beeindruckendHer story was compelling
- Die neue Studie bietet überzeugende Beweise für die Wirksamkeit des Medikaments.The new study provides compelling evidence of the drug's effectiveness.
- Sie hat einen zwingenden Grund für ihre Entscheidung.She has a compelling reason for her decision.
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are discussing a book.
- JuliaHast du das neue Buch gelesen?Have you read the new book?
- FelixJa, ich fand den Plot sehr zwingend.Yes, I found the plot very compelling.
- JuliaIch stimme dir zu, es war spannend.I agree with you, it was exciting.
- FelixEs hat mich wirklich gefesselt.It really gripped me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compelling” translations and entries zwingend, fesselnd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
