energisch
/eːˈnɛʁɡɪʃ/
The English word energetic can be translated into German as energisch, energiegeladen or Energie besitzend.
Meaning: possessing, exerting, or displaying energy (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| energisch | /eːˈnɛʁɡɪʃ/ | |
| Energie besitzend | ||
| energiegeladen | person |
The term energetic in German can describe someone possessing, exerting or displaying energy. However, the specific nuance depends on whether you mean someone who acts with determination or someone who is physically bursting with energy.
Which one should you use?
energisch often carries a nuance of being forceful, assertive or even pushy in one's actions or decisions. In contrast, energiegeladen is used to describe a person who is high-spirited or bursting with physical or mental energy. You may also use the phrase voller Energie as a common and natural alternative to describe someone who is energetic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective energisch can also function as an adverb without changing its form.
How do you pronounce it?
/eːˈnɛʁɡɪʃ/
Did you know?
- German has a specific word, Tatendrang, to describe the sudden, energetic urge to get things done. It combines 'Tat' for 'action' and 'Drang' for 'urge' or 'drive'.
- While energisch describes a person's drive, German uses the word fleißig for the kind of energy associated with hard work and diligence. An energisch person might be seen as forceful, but a fleißig person is seen as industrious.
- The adjective energisch is often paired with the word eingreifen, meaning 'to intervene'. An energisches Eingreifen is a standard phrase used in news and law to describe a forceful or decisive intervention by authorities.
Examples in context
- Tom ist sehr energisch.Tom is very energetic.This sentence uses energisch to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #6983726 by Esperantostern, translation #3385838 by Hybrid
- Damals war er noch stark und energisch.In those days, he was still strong and energetic.This sentence uses energisch to describe a person in the past.Tatoeba #10003888 by sakslane, translation #279924 by CM
- Sarah ist voller Energie und immer munter. Sie hat immer gute Laune!Sarah is full of energy and always lively. She's always in a good mood!
- Sie ist eine sehr energische Chefin.She is a very energetic boss.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing a new colleague at work.
- MaximilianWie findest du den neuen Kollegen?What do you think of the new colleague?
- SarahEr arbeitet sehr energisch.He works very energetically.
- MaximilianDas ist gut für unser Team.That is good for our team.
- SarahJa, er bringt viel Schwung mit.Yes, he brings a lot of momentum.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “energetic” translations and entries energisch, energiegeladen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
