German word

Action

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɛkt͡ʃn̩/

Meaning

  • feminine nounaction

Example

Die Action im Film war spannend.

The action in the film was exciting.

Illustration for Action (action)

More examples

Der Regisseur wartet in der neuen Folge mit Action auf.

The director serves up action in the new episode.

Core concept

A tense, visually striking burst of events that grabs attention on screen.

Common phrases

  • mit Action aufwarten

    serve up action

  • ein bisschen Action

    a bit of action

Similar words

Spannung: A feeling of suspense that keeps attention focused on what happens next.
Stunt: A dangerous performance requiring a professional to risk physical harm.
Spektakel: A spectacular, attention-grabbing display or event.
Aktion: An organized activity or event carried out for a specific short-term goal.

Definition in German

Action bezeichnet im Deutschen umgangssprachlich die spannungsreiche, visuell eindrucksvolle Darstellung von Ereignissen, besonders als Blickfang in Filmen.

Word origin

Action entered German from English and ultimately derives from Latin actio, a noun formed from agere, meaning to do or drive.

Usage tips

  • The feminine noun is die Action, and German commonly uses viel Action for exciting activity or commotion, not only for film scenes.

Other meanings

  • excitementnoun
  • thrillnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Actionfilmaction filmnoun
  • actiongeladenaction-packedadjective

Word lists with this word