noun
die Erpressung, -en
extortion
Eine Person zwingt eine andere mit Drohungen dazu, etwas zu tun oder zu geben.
The German word "Erpressung" is a noun meaning "extortion" or "blackmail".
- It comes from the verb "erpressen", which consists of the prefix "er-" (a common verbal prefix) and "pressen" meaning "to press".
- So literally, it means pressing or forcing someone to give something, typically money or favors, under threat or coercion.
Similar words:
- Nötigung (coercion)
- Erpressungsversuch (attempted extortion)
- Drohung (threat)
Differences:
- Erpressung specifically focuses on forcing someone to comply by threats.
- Nötigung is broader coercion, which might not always include a demand for something.
- Drohung is simply a threat without necessarily demanding something immediately.
Make “Erpressung” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Polizei untersucht die Erpressung sorgfältig.noun
The police are carefully investigating the extortion.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad