German word

ängstlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɛŋstlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveanxious

Example

Nach dem Unfall ist er ängstlicher als vorher.

After the accident, he is more anxious than he was before.

Illustration for ängstlich (anxious)

More examples

Die Zeugin wirkte ängstlich.

The witness seemed anxious.

Core concept

A worried person shrinks from an uncertain situation, acting cautiously rather than confidently.

Common phrases

  • ängstlich wirken

    seem anxious

  • ängstlich reagieren

    react anxiously

Similar words

verängstigt: Strongly frightened by a sudden danger or frightening event.
unsicher: Lacking confidence and unsure what to do.
besorgt: Worried about the future or a possible outcome.

Definition in German

Von Angst oder Sorge geprägt und deshalb vorsichtig, zurückhaltend oder nervös.

Word origin

The adjective ängstlich derives from the noun Angst by adding -lich, which forms adjectives expressing a related quality.

Usage tips

  • Fear of a specific thing is commonly expressed with ängstlich vor plus the dative case.

Other meanings

  • worriedadjective
  • afraidadjective
  • timidadjective

Opposites

  • selbstsicherself-confidentadjective
  • unerschrockenundauntedadjective

Related words

  • verängstigenfrightenverb
  • verängstigtfrightenedadjective

Word lists with this word