German Conversation · Level 51
74 words
German word
Spannung
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʃpanʊŋ/
Meaning
- feminine nountension
Example
Die Spannung im Raum war deutlich spürbar.
The tension in the room was clearly noticeable.
More examples
Der Krimi hielt die Spannung bis zum Ende.
The crime novel maintained the tension until the end.
Core concept
A force held between opposing sides can appear as physical strain, voltage, or anticipation.
Common phrases
Spannung aufbauen
build tension
Spannung aufrechterhalten
maintain tension
Spannung zwischen den Gesprächspartnern
tension between the interlocutors
Similar words
Anspannung: Tension from intense concentration or sustained physical effort.
Stress: Prolonged pressure that leaves the mind and body feeling worn down.
Nervosität: Personal anxiety that causes restlessness and unease.
Aufregung: A short-lived state of emotional excitement or nervousness.
Definition in German
Gefühl angespannter Erwartung oder Nervosität; außerdem Bezeichnung für mechanische Zugspannung und elektrische Spannung.
Word origin
The noun Spannung derives from the Germanic verb spannen 'to stretch or tighten' plus -ung, with related meanings developing in mechanics, electricity, and psychology.
Usage tips
- In electrical contexts, Spannung usually means 'voltage', whereas 'tension' is more likely for physical strain or psychological pressure.
Other meanings
- voltagenoun
- tensile forcenoun
- suspensenoun
Opposites
- Entspannungrelaxationnoun
- Gelassenheitcomposurenoun