Zugzwang meaning and definition in german

Noun

Frequency:

Zugzwang (no plural)
1. A situation where somebody is forced to act, but would prefer to remain passive. This is most common when a politician does not want to touch some controversial issue, but his/her political opponents work to create a situation where he/she must act.
2. chess zugzwang occurs when one player is put at a disadvantage because he/she has to make a move.