German · Body & Health

"Anxiety" in German: Angst

die Angst

Say it: dee AHNGSTfeminine · die Angstnoun/diː ˈaŋst/

Note: clinical: die Angststörung

Anxiety in German is die Angst. Say Ich habe Angst before something scary, or Angst vor dem Flug for fear of flying. Keep Angst as its own word, not only in compounds.

Before a talk

Vor dem Vortrag habe ich richtig Angst.
Before the talk I am really anxious.
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How to pronounce Angst

Say it

dee AHNGST

/diː ˈaŋst/

dee AHNGST. The a is open as in "father"; ng as in "sing"; final st is crisp.

"Anxiety" in German: quick reference

GermanEnglish
die Angstanxiety, fear

Core noun.

Angst habento be afraid / anxious

Everyday self-report.

Angst vor …fear of …

Fear directed at something.

keine Angstdon't worry / no fear

Reassurance.

How to use Angst in real life

  1. 1Before a talk

    Vor dem Vortrag habe ich richtig Angst.

    Before the talk I am really anxious.

    Angst haben + vor.

  2. 2Doctor visit

    Meine Angst wird abends oft stärker.

    My anxiety often gets stronger in the evening.

    Possessive meine Angst.

  3. 3Calming a friend

    Keine Angst, ich bleibe bei dir.

    Don't worry, I'll stay with you.

    Keine Angst as comfort.

Mistakes English speakers make with Angst

Incorrect: Ich habe die Angststörung. (only)

Correct: Ich habe Angst.

Angststörung is a clinical compound. For this headword, use Angst on its own.

Incorrect: Ich bin Angst.

Correct: Ich habe Angst.

Germans have Angst (haben), they are not Angst.

Good to know

Angst covers everyday nerves and deeper fear. People say Ich habe etwas Angst for mild jitters. In casual talk, Stress or Nervosität can sound softer than naming Angst.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Waiting for exam results

  1. ChatPal

    Hast du Angst vor der Note?

    Are you anxious about the grade?

  2. You

    Ja, die Angst lässt mich schlecht schlafen.

    Yes, the anxiety is making me sleep badly.

  3. ChatPal

    Komm, wir gehen kurz an die frische Luft.

    Come on, let's get some fresh air briefly.

  4. You

    Gut. Mit dir fühlt sich die Angst kleiner an.

    Good. With you the anxiety feels smaller.

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"Anxiety" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Anxiety" in German

How do you say anxiety in German?

Die Angst.

How do you say I am anxious?

Ich habe Angst.

How do you say fear of flying?

Angst vor dem Fliegen / Flugangst.

Is Angst feminine?

Yes: die Angst, meine Angst.

Learn a word, then use it out loud

  1. Step 1: See it in context
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  3. Step 3: Get feedback
  4. Step 4: Use it in real scenarios

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