German word

aufregen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯fˌʁeːgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbget upset

Example

Bitte reg dich nicht auf.

Please don't get upset.

Illustration for aufregen (get upset)

More examples

Er reg sich wegen des Fehlers auf.

He gets upset about the mistake.

Core concept

A calm inner state is stirred into nervous irritation, either by an outside cause or by the person's own reaction.

Common phrases

  • sich aufregen über

    get upset about

  • über Kleinigkeiten aufregen

    get upset over trivial things

Similar words

sich ärgern: To feel anger or frustration and become emotionally worked up.
beunruhigen: To cause someone to feel anxious, uneasy, or unable to relax.
sich sorgen (um): To feel uneasy and anxious about a particular person or matter.
nervös werden: To become tense and restless because of nervousness or anxiety.

Definition in German

Jemanden verärgern oder sich selbst über etwas innerlich unruhig, ärgerlich oder nervös fühlen.

Word origin

Aufregen combines the separable prefix auf- with the Germanic verb regen, meaning to stir or move, and thus describes stirring someone up.

Usage tips

  • Aufregen is separable: 'Ich rege mich auf' places the prefix at the end of the clause, while the participle is 'aufgeregt'.

Other meanings

  • get annoyedverb
  • get angryverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word