Macht
/maχt/feminine
The English word power can be translated into German as Macht.
Macht is used to describe the ability to affect or influence.
Meaning: ability to affect or influence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Macht refers to political, social or influential power, Kraft is used for physical strength or energy. Use Macht for the ability to influence people or events, but use Energie or Kraft when referring to physical or scientific power/energy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Macht is Mächte.
How do you pronounce it?
/maχt/
Did you know?
- While Macht is used for influence, the term Strom is used for electrical power. Using Macht to describe the power coming out of a wall socket would be nonsensical to a native speaker.
- In German, the phrase Machtwort sprechen means to put an end to a dispute by exercising authority. It literally translates to 'speaking a power word'.
- In German, the concept of 'power' can be described by the word Gewalt, but this usually implies 'force' or 'violence'. Confusing Macht with Gewalt can change a description of leadership into a description of coercion.
Examples in context
- Ich habe keine Macht.I am devoid of power.Tatoeba #13072751 by Yorwba, translation #12588501 by urro
- Weisheit gibt uns Macht.Wisdom gives us power.Tatoeba #12006559 by Naina, translation #3151144 by CK
- Er hat die absolute Macht.He has absolute power.Tatoeba #1511291 by Esperantostern, translation #300614 by CK
- Der Direktor hat die Macht, wichtige Entscheidungen zu treffen.The director has the power to make important decisions.
- Die Regierung will ihre Macht erweitern.The government wants to expand its power.
- Die Diplomatie ist eine Kraft, die Konflikte lösen kann.Diplomacy is a power that can resolve conflicts.
- Wir müssen die Kraft der Natur respektieren.We must respect the power of nature.
- Das neue Auto von Max hat eine unglaubliche Power!Max's new car has incredible power!
- Unsere Mannschaft spielt mit Stärke und Entschlossenheit.Our team plays with power and determination.
- Er hat die Stärke, seine Träume zu verwirklichen.He has the power to achieve his dreams.
- 148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing a politician.
- LukasEr hat viel Macht in der Stadt.He has a lot of power in the city.
- LauraDas stimmt, aber er ist sehr fair.That's true, but he is very fair.
- LukasWer kontrolliert eigentlich seine Macht?Who actually controls his power?
- LauraDas macht das Parlament.The parliament does that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “power” translations and entries Macht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
