German word

Hektik

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɛktɪk/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhustle and bustle

Example

In der Hektik vergisst man leicht etwas.

In the hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget something.

Illustration for Hektik (hustle and bustle)

More examples

Trotz der Hektik behielt sie den Überblick.

Despite the hustle and bustle, she kept track of everything.

Core concept

A person juggles several tasks at once, rushing so intensely that calm thought and careful planning fall away.

Common phrases

  • in Hektik geraten

    get caught up in the hustle and bustle

  • trotz der Hektik

    despite the hustle and bustle

Similar words

Eile: Pressure to act quickly because there is not enough time.
Hetze: Hasty, restless activity with constant rushing around.
Trubel: A lively, noisy gathering crowded with people and events.
Stress: A condition of intense pressure, strain, or nervous tension.

Definition in German

Zeitweilige, intensive Hastigkeit bei Handlungen, die ohne Ruhe und sorgfältige Planung ablaufen

Word origin

German Hektik came through French hectique from Latin hecticus and Greek hektikos, originally referring to persistent fever before developing its modern sense of frantic activity.

Usage tips

  • Hektik is feminine and usually behaves like a mass noun: die Hektik and in der Hektik are the standard forms, while a plural is uncommon.

Other meanings

  • busynessnoun
  • flurrynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word