German · Emotions & Feelings

Angst

Fear / Anxiety

Beginnernoun

Definition

An unpleasant feeling of danger.

Example

Ich habe Angst vor Spinnen.

I am afraid of spiders.

Etymology

'Angst' derives from the Old High German 'angust', which means 'fear' or 'anxiety'. The term has maintained a consistent meaning throughout its history.

How & Where It’s Used

'Angst' is predominantly used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly within psychological discussions and literature. It is recognized in various German-speaking regions.

Literary Heritage

Notable in existential literature, such as works by Franz Kafka and the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard.

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