German word

Nerv

Pronunciation

IPA/nɛɐ̯f/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnerve

Example

Er hat starke Nerven.

He has nerves of steel.

Illustration for Nerv (nerve)

More examples

In solchen Situationen muss man Nerven behalten.

In such situations, you have to keep your nerve.

Core concept

A living signal cable linking the body's control center with its organs and suggesting composure under pressure.

Common phrases

  • Nerven behalten

    keep your nerve

  • auf die Nerven gehen

    get on your nerves

Similar words

Nerven: The ability to stay calm despite stress, pressure, or annoyance.

Definition in German

Ein im Körper verlaufendes Bündel von Axonen, das Reize zwischen Organen und dem Zentralnervensystem weiterleitet.

Word origin

Nerv comes from Latin nervus, which originally referred to a sinew or tendon, and entered German as a learned medical term for a nerve.

Usage tips

  • Nerv is masculine, and its plural is Nerven, so ein Nerv contrasts with viele Nerven.

Opposites

  • Feigheitcowardicenoun

Related words

  • nervösnervousadjective
  • Nervenkitzelthrillnoun

Word lists with this word