die Erregung en 30 secondes
- Die Erregung is a versatile German noun meaning excitement, agitation, or physiological arousal, depending heavily on the context in which it is used.
- Unlike the common 'Aufregung', 'Erregung' is more intense and often implies a bodily or scientific reaction rather than just mental nervousness.
- It is a feminine noun (die) and frequently appears in legal, medical, and high-literary contexts to describe powerful internal or public states.
- Common phrases include 'in Erregung geraten' (to become agitated) and 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses' (causing a public nuisance/indecent exposure).
The German noun die Erregung is a multifaceted term that English speakers often find intriguing because it maps to several distinct emotional and physical states. At its core, it describes a state of heightened activity, whether that is mental, emotional, physiological, or even physical in a scientific sense. While a beginner might simply translate it as 'excitement,' a B1 learner must understand that it carries a heavier, often more intense weight than the common word 'Aufregung'. It encompasses agitation, nervous tension, sexual arousal, and even mechanical or electrical stimulation. Understanding the context is paramount when using this word, as the line between 'he is excited for a gift' and 'he is in a state of physiological arousal' is drawn by the choice of this specific noun versus its lighter counterparts.
- Emotional Agitation
- In literary or formal contexts, 'Erregung' often refers to a state of being deeply moved or upset. If someone is trembling with anger or fear, they are in a state of 'Erregung'. It suggests a lack of inner peace and a surge of adrenaline.
- Physiological Arousal
- This is perhaps the most common use in medical, psychological, or adult contexts. It refers to the body's response to stimuli. Unlike 'Aufregung', which is usually psychological, 'Erregung' frequently implies a bodily reaction.
- Scientific/Technical Context
- In physics or engineering, it refers to the excitation of an atom or the energizing of a magnetic field. It is the process of providing energy to a system to move it from a ground state to a higher state.
Nach der hitzigen Debatte war seine Erregung für alle Anwesenden deutlich spürbar.
Historically, the word stems from the verb 'erregen' (to stir up, to excite). When you use 'die Erregung', you are describing the result of that stirring. Imagine a glass of water with sediment at the bottom; when you shake it, the state of the water is 'Erregung'. This visual helps distinguish it from 'Freude' (joy) or 'Begeisterung' (enthusiasm), which are positive and directional. 'Erregung' is more about the internal vibration or the intensity of the state itself.
Die sexuelle Erregung ist ein komplexer biologischer Prozess.
- Public Disturbance
- In German law, you will encounter the phrase 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses'. This refers to causing a public nuisance or indecent exposure. Here, the word means 'causing' or 'inciting' a negative reaction in the public.
Er wurde wegen Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses festgenommen.
In summary, use 'die Erregung' when the situation involves deep emotional turmoil, physiological responses, or scientific stimulation. It is a word of high intensity that suggests a departure from a calm, stable state into something more kinetic and potentially volatile.
Using die Erregung correctly requires an understanding of its typical collocations—words that naturally hang out together. Since it is a noun, it often follows verbs like 'versetzen' (to put into), 'zeigen' (to show), or 'unterdrücken' (to suppress). It is almost always used with the definite article 'die' or in compound words.
In ihrer Erregung vergaß sie völlig, was sie eigentlich sagen wollte.
One of the most common grammatical structures is in Erregung geraten (to get into a state of excitement/agitation). This implies a transition from a calm state to a heightened one. You might also see it used with adjectives like 'große' (great), 'sichtbare' (visible), or 'nervöse' (nervous).
- The Preposition 'Vor'
- When 'Erregung' is the cause of an action, we use 'vor'. For example: 'Sie zitterte vor Erregung' (She trembled with excitement). This is a classic B1-level construction for describing physical reactions to emotions.
Seine Stimme zitterte leicht vor Erregung.
In formal writing, you might encounter the verb 'versetzen' used with this noun: 'jemanden in Erregung versetzen' (to put someone into a state of excitement). This is often used in political or social commentary to describe how a specific event or news item affected the populace.
Die Nachricht von dem Skandal versetzte die ganze Stadt in Erregung.
- Compound Words
- German loves compounds. You will find 'Gemütserregung' (emotional agitation) and 'Nervenerregung' (nerve stimulation). These specify exactly what kind of 'Erregung' is being discussed, making your German sound more precise and advanced.
In einem Zustand starker Gemütserregung beging er die Tat.
When writing, remember that 'Erregung' is a strong word. If you are describing a child's excitement for Christmas, 'Vorfreude' is much better. Reserve 'Erregung' for moments of high drama, physiological change, or scientific precision.
You won't hear die Erregung every day in the supermarket, but it is ubiquitous in specific domains. If you watch the German news (Tagesschau), read a crime novel, or attend a university lecture on biology or psychology, you will encounter it frequently. It belongs to a register that is slightly more elevated than colloquial speech but remains essential for clear communication in professional and literary settings.
- In the News
- News anchors use 'Erregung' to describe civil unrest or public outcry. 'Die politische Erregung im Land nimmt zu' (Political agitation in the country is increasing). It suggests a collective state of high tension.
Das neue Gesetz sorgte für große öffentliche Erregung.
In the realm of crime and law, 'Erregung' is a technical term. If you are listening to a podcast about 'True Crime' in German, you will hear about 'Taten im Zustand der Erregung' (crimes committed in a state of agitation/passion). This is a crucial legal distinction that can affect sentencing, similar to 'heat of passion' in English law.
Die Erregung der Nervenzellen wurde im Labor gemessen.
- In Literature
- Authors like Thomas Mann or Franz Kafka used 'Erregung' to describe the internal psychological states of their characters. It often implies a loss of control or a moment of epiphany. It’s a very 'literary' word for describing feelings that are too intense to be called mere 'happiness' or 'sadness'.
Ein Schauer der Erregung lief ihm über den Rücken.
Finally, in medical contexts—whether you're at the doctor's or watching a medical drama—'Erregung' refers to the stimulation of organs or the nervous system. Phrases like 'Herzerregung' (heart stimulation/excitation) are common. In these cases, the word is purely clinical and lacks the emotional baggage it carries in other contexts.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with die Erregung is using it as a direct substitute for 'excitement' in positive, everyday contexts. In English, 'I am excited' is a very common, versatile phrase. In German, if you say 'Ich bin in Erregung', people will likely look at you strangely, as it sounds highly formal or, more likely, suggests you are sexually aroused.
- Confusing 'Erregung' with 'Aufregung'
- 'Aufregung' is the word for 'excitement' or 'fuss'. If you are excited about a party, use 'Aufregung'. 'Erregung' is deeper, more visceral, and often more serious. Mixing these up is the #1 mistake for B1 learners.
Wrong: Ich spüre große Erregung wegen meines Geburtstags.
Right: Ich bin sehr aufgeregt wegen meines Geburtstags.
Another pitfall is the gender and pluralization. Learners sometimes try to use 'das Erregung' or 'der Erregung' (nominative). Remember: all German nouns ending in -ung are feminine. Always die Erregung. Also, avoid pluralizing it unless you are in a very specific scientific context talking about different types of excitations.
Seine Erregung war kaum zu verbergen (This sentence is ambiguous and depends entirely on context!).
- Misusing Prepositions
- Learners often use 'mit' (with) instead of 'vor' (due to/with). While 'mit Erregung' is possible, 'vor Erregung' is much more idiomatic when describing a reaction: 'Er schrie vor Erregung' (He screamed with excitement/agitation).
Lastly, don't confuse 'die Erregung' with 'der Erreger'. 'Der Erreger' refers to a pathogen or a germ (something that 'excites' or 'causes' a disease). While they share the same root, their meanings in a medical context are worlds apart. You don't want to say you have 'die Erregung' when you mean you have a virus!
German is a language of precision. While die Erregung is a powerful word, there are many alternatives that might fit your specific situation better. Choosing the right one will make your German sound more natural and nuanced.
- Aufregung vs. Erregung
- 'Aufregung' is for general excitement, nervousness, or a 'fuss'. It is the go-to word for everyday situations. 'Erregung' is more intense, often physiological, and can be more serious or formal.
- Begeisterung
- If you are 'excited' because you love something (like a new hobby or a movie), use 'Begeisterung' (enthusiasm). It is purely positive and lacks the 'agitation' aspect of 'Erregung'.
- Unruhe
- If the 'Erregung' is negative, like being worried or restless, 'Unruhe' (restlessness/unease) is often a better fit. It describes a lack of calm without the high-energy peak of 'Erregung'.
Statt Erregung empfand er nur eine tiefe Begeisterung für die Kunst.
In a scientific context, you might use 'Stimulation' or 'Anregung'. 'Anregung' is often used for 'suggestion' but also for 'stimulation' (e.g., 'Anregung des Stoffwechsels' - stimulation of the metabolism). It is generally more positive or neutral than 'Erregung'.
Die Stimulation der Sinne führte zu einer starken Erregung.
- Faszination
- When you are 'excited' because something is very interesting, use 'Faszination'. It implies a focused, intellectual draw rather than a raw physical or emotional state.
By mastering these alternatives, you avoid the 'one-word-fits-all' trap and can describe the precise flavor of excitement or agitation you mean. 'Erregung' is a sharp tool in your vocabulary—use it when you need that specific edge of intensity.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The root word 'regen' is also found in 'Regen' (rain) and 'bewegen' (to move), highlighting the concept of fluid motion or stirring.
Guide de prononciation
- Stressing the first syllable (ER-regung) - incorrect.
- Pronouncing the 'g' at the end of 'gung' too hard - it should be a nasal 'ng'.
- Making the 'e' in 're' too short - it's a long, closed 'e'.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'Aufregung'.
- Dropping the 'r' in 'er' completely.
Niveau de difficulté
Common in news and literature, easy to recognize but context is key.
Hard to use correctly without sounding too formal or accidentally sexual.
Requires careful pronunciation and awareness of social context.
Easily confused with 'Aufregung' at high speeds.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine.
die Erregung, die Aufregung, die Meinung
The preposition 'vor' + dative indicates a cause for a physical reaction.
Er weinte vor Erregung.
The verb 'versetzen' + 'in' + noun describes changing someone's state.
Das versetzt mich in Erregung.
Genitive case is often used to show what is being excited.
Die Erregung der Nerven.
Compound nouns in German take the gender of the last word.
Die Gemütserregung (die Erregung).
Exemples par niveau
Die Erregung ist groß.
The excitement is great.
Simple subject-predicate structure.
Sie fühlt Erregung.
She feels excitement.
Direct object 'Erregung'.
Ist das Erregung?
Is that excitement?
Interrogative sentence.
Keine Erregung, bitte.
No agitation, please.
Imperative-like phrase.
Seine Erregung ist neu.
His excitement is new.
Possessive pronoun 'seine'.
Ich sehe die Erregung.
I see the excitement.
Definite article 'die'.
Die Erregung hilft nicht.
The agitation doesn't help.
Negation with 'nicht'.
Was für eine Erregung!
What an excitement!
Exclamatory phrase.
Er zittert vor Erregung.
He is trembling with excitement.
Preposition 'vor' + dative (though 'Erregung' looks the same).
Die Erregung war überall im Raum.
The excitement was everywhere in the room.
Past tense 'war'.
Sie konnte ihre Erregung nicht verstecken.
She couldn't hide her excitement.
Modal verb 'konnte'.
Hör auf mit dieser Erregung!
Stop it with this agitation!
Imperative 'Hör auf'.
Die Erregung macht ihn krank.
The agitation is making him sick.
Subject-verb-object.
Wir fühlten eine plötzliche Erregung.
We felt a sudden excitement.
Adjective 'plötzliche' modifying the noun.
Warum gibt es so viel Erregung?
Why is there so much agitation?
Question word 'Warum'.
Seine Erregung kam von der Musik.
His excitement came from the music.
Prepositional phrase 'von der Musik'.
Die politische Erregung im Land wächst.
Political agitation in the country is growing.
Compound-like structure 'politische Erregung'.
Er geriet leicht in Erregung.
He easily got into a state of agitation.
Idiom 'in Erregung geraten'.
Die Erregung der Zuschauer war deutlich zu spüren.
The excitement of the spectators was clearly palpable.
Genitive 'der Zuschauer'.
Trotz seiner Erregung blieb er höflich.
Despite his agitation, he remained polite.
Preposition 'Trotz' + genitive.
Die sexuelle Erregung ist ein natürlicher Vorgang.
Sexual arousal is a natural process.
Technical usage.
Ihre Stimme bebte vor Erregung.
Her voice trembled with excitement.
Verb 'beben' + 'vor Erregung'.
Der Film verursachte eine große Erregung.
The movie caused a great stir/excitement.
Verb 'verursachen'.
In seiner Erregung vergaß er den Schlüssel.
In his agitation, he forgot the key.
Prepositional phrase 'In seiner Erregung'.
Die Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses ist strafbar.
Causing a public nuisance is punishable.
Legal term 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses'.
Die Erregung der Nerven führt zu einer Reaktion.
The excitation of the nerves leads to a reaction.
Scientific/biological context.
Er handelte im Zustand starker Gemütserregung.
He acted in a state of strong emotional agitation.
Legal/Psychological term 'Gemütserregung'.
Die Nachricht versetzte die Bevölkerung in Erregung.
The news put the population into a state of agitation.
Verb 'versetzen' + 'in Erregung'.
Seine Erregung legte sich erst nach Stunden.
His agitation only subsided after hours.
Reflexive verb 'sich legen' (to subside).
Es herrschte eine allgemeine Erregung über das Urteil.
There was a general outcry/agitation about the verdict.
Verb 'herrschen' (to prevail).
Die Erregung war eine Mischung aus Angst und Freude.
The excitement was a mixture of fear and joy.
Abstract definition.
Man konnte die Erregung in seinen Augen lesen.
One could read the excitement in his eyes.
Infinitive construction with 'lesen'.
Die Erregung des Magnetfeldes erfolgt durch Strom.
The excitation of the magnetic field occurs through current.
Technical/Physics context.
Kafkas Werk ist oft von einer inneren Erregung geprägt.
Kafka's work is often characterized by an inner agitation.
Literary analysis.
Die Erregung schwoll zu einem wahren Sturm an.
The agitation swelled into a true storm.
Metaphorical usage.
Er unterdrückte jede Spur von Erregung.
He suppressed every trace of agitation.
Verb 'unterdrücken' (to suppress).
Die Erregung der Massen war das Ziel der Rede.
The agitation of the masses was the goal of the speech.
Political context.
Seine Erregung artikulierte sich in heftigen Gesten.
His agitation expressed itself in violent gestures.
Reflexive verb 'sich artikulieren'.
Eine künstliche Erregung wurde durch Drogen erzeugt.
An artificial arousal was produced by drugs.
Passive voice 'wurde erzeugt'.
Die Erregung verebbte so schnell, wie sie gekommen war.
The agitation ebbed away as quickly as it had come.
Verb 'verebben' (to ebb away).
Die phänomenologische Analyse der Erregung offenbart Tiefe.
The phenomenological analysis of agitation reveals depth.
Philosophical register.
Die Erregung fungiert hier als Katalysator für den Wandel.
Agitation functions here as a catalyst for change.
Abstract metaphorical usage.
Jede Erregung des Gemüts bedarf einer Reflexion.
Every agitation of the soul requires reflection.
Formal/Archaic style.
Die Erregung ist das Korrelat zur äußeren Reizung.
Arousal is the correlate to external stimulation.
Scientific/Psychological terminology.
In der Erregung des Augenblicks verlor er sein Ziel.
In the excitement of the moment, he lost his goal.
Literary/Poetic phrase.
Die Erregung der Sinne kann die Vernunft trüben.
The arousal of the senses can cloud reason.
Philosophical/Moral context.
Er sezierte seine eigene Erregung mit kühler Logik.
He dissected his own agitation with cool logic.
Metaphorical 'sezieren' (to dissect).
Die Erregung war das Echo einer vergangenen Katastrophe.
The agitation was the echo of a past catastrophe.
Highly abstract/Literary.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— A legal term for causing a public nuisance or indecent exposure.
Er wurde wegen Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses angezeigt.
— A literary way to describe someone being in a state of surging emotion.
In wallender Erregung lief sie durch den Garten.
— Stirring up people's minds or emotions, often in a group.
Die Rede führte zu einer starken Erregung der Gemüter.
— An uncommon but possible way to say someone is beyond themselves with agitation.
Er war völlig außer Erregung.
— The state of agitation or excitement is subsiding.
Langsam legte sich die Erregung im Saal.
— To pass on excitement or agitation to others.
Seine Erregung übertrug sich auf das ganze Team.
— In a state of peak excitement or agitation.
In höchster Erregung rief er die Polizei.
— To dampen or lessen the intensity of agitation.
Man versuchte, die allgemeine Erregung zu dämpfen.
— To feel or experience a state of arousal/agitation.
Sie empfand eine tiefe Erregung beim Anblick des Meeres.
— Bodily arousal as measured by heart rate, sweat, etc.
Die physiologische Erregung wurde im Test gemessen.
Souvent confondu avec
Aufregung is for general excitement or 'fuss'; Erregung is more intense/physiological.
Anregung means suggestion or mild stimulation; Erregung is more powerful/kinetic.
Erreger is a pathogen (germ); Erregung is the state of arousal.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To cause a widespread emotional reaction or debate among a group.
Das neue Gesetz versetzte die Gemüter in Erregung.
Formal— To be so agitated or excited that one cannot speak.
Sie konnte vor Erregung kein Wort herausbringen.
Informal/Neutral— To make someone's blood boil or to excite them intensely.
Diese Musik bringt mein Blut in Erregung.
Literary— To be in a state of extreme, clear agitation.
Nach dem Unfall war er in hellster Erregung.
Neutral— To whip up a crowd into a frenzy of agitation.
Der Redner peitschte die Massen in Erregung.
Journalistic— To talk oneself into a state of agitation.
Er redete sich völlig in Erregung.
Informal— The agitation is reaching a boiling point.
Die Erregung in der Bevölkerung kocht hoch.
Neutral— To stoke the flames of agitation or excitement.
Die Presse schürte die Erregung weiter.
Formal— Acting without thinking due to intense agitation.
In blinder Erregung stürmte er aus dem Haus.
Literary— A shiver of excitement or agitation.
Ein Schauer der Erregung durchlief seinen Körper.
LiteraryFacile à confondre
Both translate to 'excitement'.
Aufregung is mental/social; Erregung is physical/intense.
Die Aufregung vor Weihnachten (mental) vs. Die Erregung der Nerven (physical).
Both involve stimulation.
Anregung is often a positive suggestion or mild boost; Erregung is a deep state.
Eine gute Anregung (suggestion) vs. Eine starke Erregung (agitation).
Same root verb 'erregen'.
Erreger is the agent (virus/bacteria); Erregung is the resulting state.
Der Erreger der Grippe vs. Die Erregung des Patienten.
Both imply tension.
Spannung is suspense or electrical voltage; Erregung is the active state of being worked up.
Spannung im Film vs. Erregung im Publikum.
Both are high-energy emotions.
Begeisterung is always positive (enthusiasm); Erregung can be neutral or negative.
Begeisterung für Sport vs. Erregung über den Krieg.
Structures de phrases
Subjekt + zittert + vor Erregung.
Das Kind zittert vor Erregung.
Etwas + versetzt + jemanden + in Erregung.
Die Musik versetzt ihn in Erregung.
In + seiner/ihrer + Erregung + Verb + Subjekt.
In seiner Erregung schrie er laut.
Die Erregung + Genitiv-Objekt + ist + Adjektiv.
Die Erregung der Zuschauer ist spürbar.
Ein Zustand + starker + Erregung.
Er war in einem Zustand starker Erregung.
Die Erregung + von + Dativ-Objekt + erfolgt + Präpositional-Objekt.
Die Erregung von Atomen erfolgt durch Licht.
Unterdrückung + der + Erregung.
Die Unterdrückung der Erregung fiel ihm schwer.
Die Erregung + als + Nomen + interpretieren.
Man kann die Erregung als Zeichen der Angst interpretieren.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Common in specific domains (Law, Science, Media) but less common in casual daily life.
-
Ich bin in Erregung für das Konzert.
→
Ich freue mich auf das Konzert.
'Erregung' is too intense and formal for a concert; 'sich freuen' is natural.
-
Der Erregung des Patienten ist hoch.
→
Die Erregung des Patienten ist hoch.
'Erregung' is feminine, so use 'die'.
-
Er zitterte mit Erregung.
→
Er zitterte vor Erregung.
'Vor' is the correct preposition for causes of physical reactions.
-
Das Kind hat viel Erregung.
→
Das Kind ist sehr aufgeregt.
'Erregung' sounds too clinical/adult for a child's excitement.
-
Ich habe eine Erregung.
→
Ich bin aufgeregt.
'Eine Erregung haben' sounds like a medical condition or sexual arousal.
Astuces
Context is King
Always check if you are in a scientific, legal, or emotional context before using 'Erregung'.
The -ung Rule
All nouns ending in -ung are feminine. This makes 'Erregung' easy to categorize.
Pair with 'vor'
Use 'vor Erregung' to describe physical reactions like trembling or crying.
Avoid Sexual Slip-ups
Don't use 'Ich bin erregt' in casual settings unless you mean to be provocative.
Legal Terms
Memorize 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses' as a single block; it's very common in news.
Physics Use
In physics, 'Erregung' is 'excitation' (e.g., of a field or atom).
Literary Flair
Use 'Erregung' in your writing to describe a character's deep, visceral emotion.
Listen for Stress
Remember the stress is on the 'RE' syllable. This helps distinguish it from other words.
Use Alternatives
When in doubt, use 'Aufregung' for excitement and 'Unruhe' for agitation.
Visual Mnemonic
Think of a 'stirred' drink. The state of the liquid is 'Erregung'.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of an 'ER' (Emergency Room). When someone is brought in, there is a lot of 'Erregung' (agitation/arousal).
Association visuelle
Visualize a vibrating tuning fork. The vibration is the 'Erregung'—a state of high energy and motion.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 'Erregung' in three different sentences today: one about a scientific fact, one about a legal news item, and one about a deep feeling.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Middle High German verb 'erregen', which itself comes from 'regen' (to move/stir).
Sens originel : The original sense was 'to set in motion' or 'to stir up'.
Germanic (Indo-European).Contexte culturel
Be extremely careful with the sexual connotation. Avoid saying 'Ich bin erregt' unless you mean 'I am sexually aroused'.
English speakers often over-use 'excited' for everything. Germans use 'Erregung' sparingly and precisely.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Medicine/Biology
- Nervenerregung messen
- Erregung des Herzens
- sexuelle Erregung
- Erregungsleitung
Law
- Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses
- Zustand der Gemütserregung
- Tat im Affekt
- Strafbarkeit
Psychology
- Arousal-Niveau
- emotionale Erregung
- Reiz-Reaktions-Schema
- Erregungszustand
Physics
- Erregung des Magnetfeldes
- Anregung von Atomen
- Erregerspule
- Energieübertragung
Literature/Arts
- innere Erregung
- Schauer der Erregung
- dramatische Erregung
- ästhetische Erregung
Amorces de conversation
"Haben Sie die öffentliche Erregung über das neue Gesetz bemerkt?"
"Glaubst du, dass Erregung immer zu besseren Leistungen führt?"
"Wie unterdrückst du deine Erregung in stressigen Situationen?"
"Ist Erregung ein notwendiger Teil von Kunst und Musik?"
"Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Aufregung und Erregung für dich?"
Sujets d'écriture
Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem du vor Erregung gezittert hast. Was war der Auslöser?
Reflektiere über die 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses'. Wo ziehst du die Grenze?
Wie beeinflusst körperliche Erregung deine Entscheidungsfindung im Alltag?
Schreibe über eine politische Debatte, die in deinem Land für große Erregung gesorgt hat.
Analysiere den Begriff 'Gemütserregung' in einem literarischen Kontext deiner Wahl.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that would sound very strange and possibly sexual. Use 'Aufregung' or 'Ich freue mich auf die Party'.
No, it is used in physics, law, and medicine. However, in casual conversation without context, people might assume a sexual meaning.
It is a legal term for causing a public scandal, often through indecent exposure or very disruptive behavior.
It is always feminine: die Erregung.
Stress the second syllable: er-RE-gung. The 'er' is short and the 'e' in 're' is long.
'Aufgeregt' is nervous/excited (common); 'erregt' is agitated/aroused (intense/formal).
Yes, 'die Erregungen', but it is very rare, mostly used in scientific contexts.
Usually 'vor' (vor Erregung zittern) or 'in' (in Erregung geraten).
Yes, it is considered B1/B2 level because of its nuanced meanings and formal usage.
It's a formal word for emotional agitation, often used in legal contexts to describe a 'crime of passion'.
Teste-toi 192 questions
Write a sentence using 'vor Erregung'.
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Explain the difference between 'Aufregung' and 'Erregung'.
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Use 'Erregung' in a medical context.
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Translate: 'The news caused a great stir.'
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Describe a character who is 'in Erregung'.
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Write a sentence about 'politische Erregung'.
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Use 'unterdrücken' with 'Erregung'.
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Translate: 'A shiver of excitement ran down his spine.'
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Write a sentence using 'in Erregung geraten'.
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Use 'Erregung' in a physics context.
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Describe a scene with 'öffentliche Erregung'.
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Translate: 'She couldn't speak because of agitation.'
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Write a sentence about 'Gemütserregung'.
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Use 'sichtbare' with 'Erregung'.
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Translate: 'The excitement subsided slowly.'
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Describe a scientific experiment using 'Erregung'.
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Use 'höchster' with 'Erregung'.
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Translate: 'Sexual arousal is a biological process.'
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Write a sentence about 'Erregung' in literature.
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Use 'keine' with 'Erregung'.
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Say: 'Die Erregung ist groß.'
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Describe a time you were 'in Erregung geraten'.
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Explain 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses' in your own words.
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Say: 'Seine Stimme zitterte vor Erregung.'
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Discuss if 'Erregung' is always bad.
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Pronounce the plural: 'Erregungen'.
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Use 'Erregung' in a sentence about a protest.
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Say 'sexual arousal' in German.
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Say: 'In seiner Erregung vergaß er den Schlüssel.'
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Compare 'Aufregung' and 'Erregung' orally.
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Say: 'Die Erregung des Magnetfeldes.'
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Describe a scientific experiment using the word.
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Tell a short story using 'Erregung' twice.
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Say: 'Gemütserregung'.
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Ask someone why they are so agitated.
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Say: 'Ein Schauer der Erregung.'
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Say: 'Die Erregung legte sich.'
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Say: 'Nervenerregung'.
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Say: 'Vor Erregung kein Wort herausbringen.'
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Say: 'Öffentliche Erregung'.
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Listen to: 'Die Erregung wächst.' What is happening?
Listen to: 'Er zittert vor Erregung.' Is he calm?
Listen to: 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses.' Is this legal?
Listen to: 'In seiner Erregung...' What follows usually?
Listen to: 'Sexuelle Erregung.' What is the context?
Listen to: 'Die Erregung des Magnetfeldes.' What subject is this?
Listen to: 'Gemütserregung.' Is it formal or informal?
Listen to: 'Die Erregung legte sich.' Is it louder or quieter now?
Listen to: 'Vor Erregung weinen.' Why is the person crying?
Listen to: 'Nervenerregung.' Is it about feelings or biology?
Listen to: 'Große Erregung.' Is it a lot or a little?
Listen to: 'Künstliche Erregung.' Is it natural?
Listen to: 'In hellster Erregung.' Is it extreme?
Listen to: 'Erregung unterdrücken.' Is the person showing their feelings?
Listen to: 'Die Erregung der Massen.' Who is excited?
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Summary
Always distinguish 'Erregung' from 'Aufregung'. Use 'Erregung' for intense, physiological, or technical states of being 'worked up' or 'stimulated', and be mindful of its strong sexual or legal connotations in casual speech. Example: 'Seine Erregung war nach dem Streit deutlich sichtbar.'
- Die Erregung is a versatile German noun meaning excitement, agitation, or physiological arousal, depending heavily on the context in which it is used.
- Unlike the common 'Aufregung', 'Erregung' is more intense and often implies a bodily or scientific reaction rather than just mental nervousness.
- It is a feminine noun (die) and frequently appears in legal, medical, and high-literary contexts to describe powerful internal or public states.
- Common phrases include 'in Erregung geraten' (to become agitated) and 'Erregung öffentlichen Ärgernisses' (causing a public nuisance/indecent exposure).
Context is King
Always check if you are in a scientific, legal, or emotional context before using 'Erregung'.
The -ung Rule
All nouns ending in -ung are feminine. This makes 'Erregung' easy to categorize.
Pair with 'vor'
Use 'vor Erregung' to describe physical reactions like trembling or crying.
Avoid Sexual Slip-ups
Don't use 'Ich bin erregt' in casual settings unless you mean to be provocative.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur emotions
abgeneigt
B1Ne pas aimer quelque chose ou vouloir l'éviter.
ablehnend
B1Ça montre que tu n'approuves pas quelque chose ou quelqu'un, comme si tu le repoussais.
abneigen
B1Avoir de l'aversion pour quelque chose ou quelqu'un.
Abneigung
B1L'Abneigung signifie une forte aversion ou un dégoût envers quelque chose ou quelqu'un. C'est une répugnance profonde. Il existe une certaine Abneigung contre les changements soudains dans l'entreprise.
Abscheu
B1C'est un très fort sentiment de dégoût ou d'aversion.
abscheuen
B1Détester quelque chose ou quelqu'un très fort, avec un profond dégoût.
Ach!
A1Ah ! C'est magnifique. / Ah bon, je ne savais pas.
ach
A2Oh, ah ; exprime diverses émotions comme la surprise, la compréhension ou le regret.
akzeptierend
B1accepting
Albtraum
A2Un cauchemar; un rêve effrayant ou une situation réelle très pénible. 'J'ai fait un cauchemar cette nuit' se dit 'Ich hatte letzte Nacht einen Albtraum'.
