German word

Besorgnis

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈzɔʁknɪs/

Meaning

  • feminine nounconcern

Example

Viele Besorgnisse wurden nach dem Unfall geäußert.

Many concerns were expressed after the accident.

Illustration for Besorgnis (concern)

More examples

Regelmäßige Kontrollen linderten die Besorgnis der Anwohner.

Regular inspections eased residents' concern.

Core concept

A mind keeps looking toward a possible bad turn, with quiet unease growing as the feared outcome comes closer.

Common phrases

  • tiefe Besorgnis

    deep concern

  • Besorgnis bereiten

    cause concern

  • plötzliche Besorgnis

    sudden concern

Similar words

Sorge: Repeated worry about someone or something that may need attention.
Befürchtung: Anxious anticipation of a likely bad result.
Bedenken: Doubt about an action or decision because of possible drawbacks.
Angst: Intense fear caused by danger, pain, or a threatening situation.

Definition in German

Besorgnis ist ein Gefühl von Unruhe und Angst wegen einer möglichen negativen Entwicklung.

Word origin

Besorgnis is formed from the verb besorgen with the noun-forming suffix -nis, while besorgen contains be- and the root of Sorge, worry.

Usage tips

  • Besorgnis is a formal noun, while everyday German more often uses Sorge, sich Sorgen machen, or besorgt sein.

Other meanings

  • worrynoun
  • apprehensionnoun

Opposites

  • Sorglosigkeitlack of worrynoun

Related words

  • besorgnislosunconcernedadjective

Word lists with this word