Widerstandskraft
resilience, resistance, inner strength
Usage Note
Widerstandskraft is the ability to endure and recover from adversity. It is the German equivalent of the psychological concept of resilience (Resilienz) and is preferred in more traditional or literary registers. Combines Widerstand (resistance) + Kraft (force, strength).
Examples
"Kinder entwickeln Widerstandskraft am besten durch Erfahrungen, die sie bewältigen können."
Natural Translation
Children develop resilience best through experiences they are able to cope with.
Literal Translation
Children develop resistance-strength best through experiences they can master.

Building your German vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
- Abgeklärtheit serenity, mature composure, detached calm
- Anmaßung presumption, arrogance, overstepping
- Aufgeschlossenheit open-mindedness, receptiveness
- Bedachtheit deliberateness, thoughtful care, circumspection
- Begeisterungsfähigkeit capacity for enthusiasm
- Beharrungsvermögen tenacity, perseverance
- Beharrungswille persistence, determination to persist
- Beherrschtheit self-control, composure
Explore German by topic