streng
/ʃtʁɛŋ/
The German word for strict is streng.
streng describes something that is governed by or governing by exact rules. It can be used to describe a person's character or a specific set of rules. You will often see it used in dietary contexts, such as streng vegetarisch (strictly vegetarian) or streng vegan (strictly vegan). Other common expressions include Eine strenge Hand haben (to have a firm hand), Straffes Regime (a tight regime) and Eiserne Disziplin (iron discipline). To say that discipline is essential, you can use the phrase Disziplin ist das A und O (discipline is key) or describe a situation that allows no flexibility with Keinen Spielraum lassen (to leave no room for maneuvering/flexibility).
Meaning: governed or governing by exact rules (adj)
Which one should you use?
While streng describes a person's character or a set of rules, the word hart (hard/harsh) is often used to describe a person who is being physically or emotionally unyielding.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, streng changes its ending depending on the noun it describes. Use the ending -e when it appears before a feminine or plural noun in the nominative case, such as eine strenge Mutter (a strict mother). Use the ending -en when used in the masculine accusative or in the dative case, such as mit einem strengen Vater (with a strict father).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtʁɛŋ/
Did you know?
- The phrase das A und O used alongside streng refers to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It implies that something is the absolute beginning and end of a matter.
- The German word streng is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'strong'. Both evolved from a root meaning 'taut' or 'tense'.
- German has several words for 'strict' depending on the context, such as strikt, which is usually reserved for following a logical sequence or a specific law rather than a person's character.
Examples in context
- Sie ist zu streng.She's too strict.This sentence is useful for saying that someone is too strict using streng.Tatoeba #12570653 by Waldelfe, translation #11446434 by Agestur
- Du bist zu streng.You are too strict.This sentence is useful for saying that you are too strict using streng.Tatoeba #12591622 by Waldelfe, translation #11446431 by Agestur
- Tom ist sehr streng.Tom is very strict.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom is very strict using streng.Tatoeba #6850406 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2273610 by CK
- Die Lehrerin ist sehr streng.The teacher is very strict.
- Wir haben strikte Regeln in unserem Unternehmen.We have strict rules in our company.
- Mein Vater ist manchmal echt streng.My father can be really strict sometimes.
- Der Chef ist echt knallhart.The boss is really strict/tough.
- 94 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing a new teacher at school.
- SarahIst der neue Lehrer streng?Is the new teacher strict?
- FelixJa, er ist sehr streng.Yes, he is very strict.
- SarahDas klingt nach viel Arbeit.That sounds like a lot of work.
- FelixAber er ist sehr fair.But he is very fair.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strict” translations and entries streng, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries streng, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
