German · Emotions & Feelings
Nervous
Easily agitated or anxious.
Ich bin nervös vor der Prüfung.
I am nervous before the exam.
'Nervös' comes from the French word 'nerveux', derived from 'nerf', meaning 'nerve', which reflects its association with emotional states of agitation. This borrowing has become deeply integrated into the German language.
'Nervös' is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, covering everything from everyday conversations to psychological discussions. It is well understood in all German-speaking regions.