German word

Angst

Pronunciation

IPA/aŋst/

Meaning

  • feminine nounanxiety

Example

Vor Prüfungen habe ich oft Ängste.

Before exams, I often feel anxious.

Illustration for Angst (anxiety)

More examples

Ich habe vor der Präsentation Angst, aber ich übe jeden Tag.

I am anxious about the presentation, but I practice every day.

Core concept

A constricting feeling that appears when danger or an uncertain outcome seems close.

Common phrases

  • Keine Angst

    don't worry

  • Angst haben

    be anxious

  • vor Angst zittern

    tremble with fear

Similar words

Furcht: A strong fear triggered by an immediate and serious danger.
Sorge: Persistent worry about everyday matters or what the future may bring.
Nervosität: A tense, restless state caused by nervous strain or anticipation.
Panik: A sudden, overwhelming fear that makes calm thinking difficult.

Definition in German

Angst bezeichnet ein Gefühl innerer Beklemmung und Besorgnis, das bei Ungewissheit oder wahrgenommener Bedrohung entsteht.

Word origin

Angst is an inherited Germanic word related to English angst and rooted in an older sense of narrowness or constriction.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 'Angst vor' takes the dative, so 'Angst vor Prüfungen' means fear or anxiety about exams.

Other meanings

  • fearnoun
  • worrynoun
  • terrornoun

Opposites

Related words

  • ängstlichanxiousadjective
  • ängstigenmake anxiousverb
  • Ängstlichkeitanxietynoun

Word lists with this word