Angst
Meaning and Usage
"Angst" is a German noun that translates to "fear" or "anxiety" in English. It refers to a feeling of intense unease, often without a specific cause, and can be used to describe a general sense of apprehension or worry.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "Angst" originated from the Old High German word "angust," which means "anguish" or "anxiety." It is a singular, feminine noun, and its plural form is "Ängste."
Comparisons between German and English
In English, "angst" is often used to describe a feeling of deep anxiety or dread, similar to its usage in German. The word has been adopted into English literature and language due to its nuanced expression of existential fear and anxiety.
Cultural Context
"Angst" is a term commonly associated with German philosophy and Existentialist thought, particularly through the works of philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche.
Example Sentences
- Die Angst vor dem Unbekannten treibt ihn dazu, neue Erfahrungen zu vermeiden. (The fear of the unknown drives him to avoid new experiences.)
- In ihrer Angst konnte sie nicht klar denken. (In her anxiety, she couldn't think clearly.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "Angst," you can associate it with the English word "anguish," as they both convey a deep sense of emotional distress.
Additional Vocabulary
- Die Furcht (fear)
- Die Sorge (worry)
- Die Panik (panic)
Gender and Plural
- Gender: Feminine
- Plural: Ängste
Conjugation
Not applicable, as "Angst" is a noun and does not have a conjugated form.