German word

Albtraum

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈalpˌtʁaʊ̯m/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnightmare

Example

Letzte Nacht hatte ich einen Albtraum.

I had a nightmare last night.

Illustration for Albtraum (nightmare)

More examples

Nach dem Unfall wachte sie aus einem Albtraum auf.

After the accident, she woke up from a nightmare.

Core concept

A sleeper wakes from a dark, panic-filled dream; the same image extends to any situation that feels overwhelmingly distressing.

Common phrases

  • einen Albtraum haben

    have a nightmare

  • aus einem Albtraum aufwachen

    wake up from a nightmare

  • in einen Albtraum geraten

    get into a nightmare

Similar words

Traum: A series of images, thoughts, or experiences during sleep.
Alptraum: A frightening and unpleasant dream marked by intense fear.

Definition in German

Ein unangenehmer, oft furchterregender Traum, der beim Aufwachen Angst oder Unruhe verursacht.

Word origin

The compound combines the historical Germanic noun Alp, a night spirit believed to oppress sleepers, with Traum, meaning 'dream'.

Usage tips

  • Albtraum is masculine, with the plural Albträume; the related adjective albtraumhaft means 'nightmarish'.

Other meanings

  • nightmare scenarionoun

Opposites

Related words

  • albtraumhaftnightmarishadjective
  • albtraumartignightmare-likeadjective

Word lists with this word