stark
/ʃtark/
The German word for strong is stark. Wiktionary also lists kräftig.
Meaning: capable of producing great physical force (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| stark | /ʃtark/ |
| kräftig | /ˈkʁɛftɪç/ /ˈkʁɛftɪk/ |
stark is a general term for being capable of producing great physical force. You can also use the expression stark wie ein Bär to say someone is as strong as a bear.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean strong, stark is the more common general term for physical strength or intensity. In contrast, kräftig often implies a sense of robust, vigorous or hearty strength, such as describing a person's build or a strong/rich flavor. Kräftig is also frequently used to describe physical movements.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtark/
When do people say it?
To highlight someone's powerful or strong nature, you might refer to them as a Kraftpaket (powerhouse).
Did you know?
- The German word stark is a distant relative of the English word 'stark', but in English it usually means 'complete' or 'bare', while in German it almost always means 'strong'.
- The English word 'crafty' is actually a linguistic relative of the German word kräftig, both sharing a common ancestor related to power and force.
- While kräftig means strong, it is also used as a polite euphemism to describe someone who is overweight or heavily built.
Examples in context
- Du bist ja stark.You're strong.This sentence shows how to say someone is strong using stark.Tatoeba #762282 by Esperantostern, translation #2203406 by CK
- Tom ist so stark.Tom is so strong.This sentence demonstrates the use of stark to express how strong someone is.Tatoeba #7836455 by bonny37, translation #5758131 by CM
- Sie sind zu stark.You're too strong.This sentence uses stark to say someone is too strong.Tatoeba #8643863 by Melang, translation #8419402 by deniko
- Die Athletin ist sehr stark.The athlete is very strong.
- Er hat einen starken Willen.He has a strong will.
- Ich trinke gerne starken Kaffee.I enjoy strong coffee.
- Der Bauarbeiter hat kräftige Muskeln.The construction worker has strong muscles.
- Sie hat eine kräftige Stimme.She has a strong voice.
- Das Essen hat einen kräftigen Geschmack.The food has a strong flavor.
- Mein Großvater ist stark wie ein Bär.My grandfather is strong as a bear.
- Er ist ein echtes Kraftpaket.He is a real powerhouse.
- Du bist ein Kraftpaket im Fitnessstudio!You are a powerhouse at the gym!
- 414 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are moving heavy boxes into a new apartment.
- LauraKannst du mir helfen? Dieser Karton ist sehr schwer.Can you help me? This box is very heavy.
- FelixKlar, ich bin stark genug für zwei Kartons.Sure, I am strong enough for two boxes.
- LauraDanke, Felix! Du bist wirklich stark.Thanks, Felix! You are really strong.
- FelixKein Problem, das ist kein großes Gewicht.No problem, that is not much weight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strong” translations and entries stark, kräftig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kräftig, stark, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
