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B1 adjective #6,000 mais comum 9 min de leitura

angespannt

Top 6,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas angespannt em 30 segundos

Explicação angespannt in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe basic feelings and states. 'Angespannt' might seem like a big word, but you can understand it as the opposite of 'relaxed' (entspannt). Think of how you feel before a big test or when you are waiting for someone who is late. You are not 'happy' (glücklich) and you are not 'sad' (traurig), but you feel a bit of pressure in your body. In A1, we use simple sentences like 'Ich bin angespannt' (I am tense) or 'Er ist angespannt' (He is tense). It is important to know that this word describes a feeling. You can also use it to talk about your body, like if your neck hurts because you are working too much. You might say 'Mein Nacken ist angespannt.' This is a very useful word because it helps you tell people how you feel when you are not comfortable. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on using it with the verb 'sein' (to be). Remember: if you are 'angespannt', you need a break! It is a very common word in Germany because people often talk about their work and how they feel. Even at this early stage, knowing 'angespannt' and its opposite 'entspannt' will make your German sound much more natural. You can use it in the classroom too—if the teacher asks how you are before an exam, you can say, 'Ich bin ein bisschen angespannt.' This shows you have a good vocabulary for emotions.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'angespannt' to describe more than just yourself. You can talk about the 'Stimmung' (mood or atmosphere) in a place. For example, if you are at work and everyone is very busy and nobody is laughing, you can say: 'Die Stimmung im Büro ist heute angespannt.' This is a great way to describe a situation to your friends or family. You will also learn that adjectives in German sometimes change their endings. While 'Ich bin angespannt' stays the same, if you put it before a noun, it changes: 'eine angespannte Situation' (a tense situation). At this level, you should also be able to recognize the word in simple news stories or weather reports (though less common there, more in social news). You might hear it in a doctor's office when they talk about your muscles. A key tip for A2 learners is to notice the 'an-' prefix. In German, 'an-' often means something is being put on or started. 'Spannen' means to stretch. So, 'angespannt' is something that has been stretched. This visual can help you remember the meaning. You can also start pairing it with simple adverbs like 'sehr' (very) or 'ein bisschen' (a bit). 'Ich bin sehr angespannt, weil ich viel Arbeit habe.' This sentence structure is perfect for A2. It helps you give reasons for your feelings, which is a key skill at this level.

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At the B1 level, 'angespannt' becomes a very versatile tool in your vocabulary. You are now expected to describe events, dreams, hopes, and reasons in more detail. 'Angespannt' is perfect for describing the 'Lage' (situation) in a more professional or social context. You might use it to talk about political news you've heard: 'Die Lage zwischen den Ländern ist seit Wochen angespannt.' This shows you can talk about abstract concepts, not just personal feelings. You will also encounter 'angespannt' as an adverb. For example: 'Er wartete angespannt auf die Antwort.' Here, it describes *how* he waited. Using adjectives as adverbs is a great way to make your German sound more sophisticated without adding complex grammar. You should also start to distinguish between 'angespannt' and 'spannend'. Remember: a thriller is 'spannend' (exciting), but the feeling you have while watching it might be 'angespannt' (tense). At B1, you are also learning more about word families. You should recognize 'die Anspannung' (the tension) as the noun form. For example: 'Die Anspannung im Raum war deutlich zu spüren.' (The tension in the room was clearly felt.) This allows you to vary your sentence structures. Instead of always saying 'I am tense,' you can say 'There is a lot of tension.' This level of variety is what examiners look for in B1 speaking and writing tests.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'angespannt' in formal and professional environments. It is a key term for discussing 'Wirtschaft' (economy) and 'Politik' (politics). You will often read about 'angespannte Märkte' (strained markets) or 'angespannte Haushaltslagen' (strained budget situations). At this level, you need to understand the nuance: 'angespannt' doesn't just mean people are nervous; it means a system is at its limit. For instance, if the 'Wohnungsmarkt' (housing market) is 'angespannt', it means there are too many people and not enough apartments. You should also be able to use the word in the context of 'Beziehungen' (relationships). An 'angespanntes Verhältnis' is a relationship that is full of conflict and stress. In your writing, you can use 'angespannt' to create atmosphere. Instead of saying 'it was a bad day,' you could write, 'Die Atmosphäre während der Verhandlung war von Anfang an angespannt.' This level of precision is expected at B2. You should also be aware of synonyms like 'belastet' or 'prekär' and know when 'angespannt' is the better choice. 'Angespannt' usually implies a temporary state of high pressure, whereas 'belastet' might imply a deeper, longer-lasting problem. Mastering these differences will help you pass the B2 exam, especially in the 'Sprachbausteine' and 'Schreiben' sections.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'angespannt' should reflect a deep understanding of its psychological and metaphorical implications. You can use it to describe complex mental states. For example, you might discuss the 'angespannte Aufmerksamkeit' (tense attention) required for a difficult task. At this level, you are exploring the fine lines between similar concepts. You might analyze why a character in a novel is 'innerlich angespannt' despite appearing 'äußerlich ruhig' (externally calm). This contrast is a classic C1 theme. You should also be able to use the word in academic or semi-academic contexts. For instance, in a sociology essay, you might write about the 'angespannte soziale Gefüge' (strained social fabric) of a city during a crisis. The word 'angespannt' here serves as a precise descriptor for systemic stress. Furthermore, you should be familiar with more idiomatic or fixed expressions, such as 'auf die Folter gespannt sein' (to be kept in suspense), which shares the same root. While 'angespannt' is an adjective, your C1 knowledge should link it to the whole 'spannen' family. You should also be able to use it reflexively as a verb: 'sich anspannen' (to tense oneself). 'Bevor er sprang, spannten sich alle seine Muskeln an.' This level of integration between different parts of speech and nuanced meanings is the hallmark of a C1 learner. You are no longer just using the word; you are playing with its full range of meaning.

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At the C2 level, 'angespannt' is a word you use with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You understand its etymological roots in the physical act of stretching and can use this metaphorically in complex discourse. You might use it to describe the 'angespannte Dialektik' (tense dialectic) between two opposing philosophical ideas. In high-level literary analysis, you could discuss how an author uses 'angespannte Syntax' (tense syntax—short, clipped sentences) to mirror the psychological state of a protagonist. You are also aware of the word's role in specialized fields. In medicine, you might discuss 'muskuläre Dysbalancen' leading to 'angespannten myofaszialen Ketten.' In high finance, you could analyze how an 'angespanntes Zinsumfeld' (tense interest rate environment) affects long-term investments. Your vocabulary is so broad that 'angespannt' is just one of many options, and you choose it specifically when you want to convey a state of 'being stretched to the point of potential rupture.' You can also use it ironically or with subtle humor in sophisticated social settings. At C2, you are expected to handle the word in all its declensions and positions perfectly, including its use in complex participial constructions: 'Die durch die jahrelangen Konflikte extrem angespannten diplomatischen Beziehungen...' This ability to embed the word into dense, information-rich sentences is what distinguishes a near-native speaker. You are fully aware of the cultural weight the word carries in a society that values efficiency and often struggles with the resulting 'Anspannung'.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

angespannt em 30 segundos

Angespannt means 'tense' or 'strained' in both physical and emotional contexts.
It is commonly used to describe stressed people, tight muscles, or difficult political situations.
It is the direct opposite of 'entspannt' (relaxed) and should not be confused with 'spannend' (exciting).
In sentences, it can be used as an adjective (tense mood) or an adverb (waiting tensely).

The German adjective angespannt is a multifaceted term that primarily describes a state of tension, whether physical, emotional, or situational. At its core, it derives from the verb anspannen, which means to stretch, tighten, or harness. Imagine a bowstring pulled back and ready to release an arrow; that physical state of being stretched to the limit is the literal foundation of angespannt. In a psychological context, it translates to 'tense,' 'stressed,' or 'nervous.' When a person is angespannt, they are not relaxed; their muscles might be tight, their mind might be racing, and they are likely on edge due to pressure, anticipation, or conflict. This word is ubiquitous in German because it bridges the gap between a simple feeling of nervousness and a more profound state of systemic stress.

Physical Tension: This refers to muscles that are tight or 'stretched.' For example, after a long day at a desk, your shoulders might feel angespannt. It is the direct opposite of locker (loose/relaxed).
Emotional State: When an individual is under pressure—perhaps before an exam or a job interview—they are innerlich angespannt (internally tense). It conveys a sense of being 'wound up.'
Situational Atmosphere: This describes the 'vibe' of a room or a political climate. If two people have just had an argument, the atmosphere in the room is angespannt. In news reports, you will often hear about die angespannte Lage (the tense situation) in conflict zones.

Nach dem Streit war die Stimmung zwischen den beiden Kollegen sehr angespannt.

Understanding the nuance of angespannt requires looking at its intensity. It is stronger than being merely 'busy' (beschäftigt) but slightly less chaotic than being 'stressed out' (gestresst), though they often overlap. It implies a readiness for action or a high level of focus that has become uncomfortable. In professional settings, a project deadline might lead to an angespannte Arbeitssituation. In medical contexts, it can describe high blood pressure or muscle hypertonia. The word is versatile because it captures the essence of 'tightness' in every conceivable domain of human experience.

Er wartete angespannt auf die Ergebnisse seiner medizinischen Untersuchung.

Wegen der Inflation ist die finanzielle Situation vieler Familien extrem angespannt.

In summary, use angespannt whenever you want to describe a lack of relaxation. It is a formal and neutral word, making it safe for use in business meetings, news reports, and casual conversations alike. It avoids the slanginess of 'gestresst' while providing more descriptive power than 'nervös'.

Using angespannt correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective that can appear in different positions within a sentence. Like most German adjectives, it can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'to be') or attributively (before a noun, requiring an ending). When used predicatively, it remains unchanged: Ich bin angespannt. When used attributively, it must agree with the gender, case, and number of the noun: eine angespannte Atmosphäre (a tense atmosphere).

With People (Subjective): When describing a person's state: 'Sie wirkt heute sehr angespannt.' (She seems very tense today.) Here, the focus is on her outward appearance or perceived inner state.
With Situations (Objective): When describing an external condition: 'Die Lage am Arbeitsmarkt ist angespannt.' (The situation on the job market is strained.) This implies difficulty or high demand.

Trotz der angespannten Ruhe im Raum wagte niemand zu sprechen.

You will also frequently see angespannt used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed. If someone is listening very intently because they are nervous or expecting something important, you would say: Er hörte angespannt zu (He listened tensely/intently). This usage highlights the concentration and effort involved in the action. It is often paired with verbs of perception like zusehen (watch), warten (wait), or blicken (look).

Die Muskeln seines Rückens waren nach dem Training schmerzhaft angespannt.

Furthermore, angespannt can be modified by degree adverbs to specify the level of tension. Common modifiers include leicht (slightly), extrem (extremely), sichtbar (visibly), or zunehmend (increasingly). For example: Die Beziehung zwischen den Nachbarn wurde zunehmend angespannt. (The relationship between the neighbors became increasingly strained.) This flexibility allows for precise communication of emotional and situational dynamics.

Collocations with Nouns: Common pairings include: angespannte Erwartung (tense expectation), angespannter Gesichtsausdruck (tense facial expression), and angespannte Haushaltslage (strained budget situation).

Mit angespannten Nerven betrat der Schauspieler die Bühne.

The word angespannt is a staple of German media and daily life. You will encounter it most frequently in news broadcasts, particularly those covering politics and economics. News anchors often use it to describe diplomatic relations: Das Verhältnis zwischen den USA und Russland bleibt angespannt. In this context, it signifies a lack of trust and the potential for conflict. Similarly, economic reports use it to describe markets or supply chains: Die Lage auf dem Energiemarkt ist weiterhin angespannt. Here, it implies that resources are scarce and the system is under pressure.

In der Tagesschau wurde berichtet, dass die Sicherheitslage in der Hauptstadt extrem angespannt sei.

In the workplace, angespannt is used to describe the atmosphere during high-stakes periods. If a company is facing layoffs or a major merger, employees will describe the Betriebsklima (work atmosphere) as angespannt. It is a more professional and precise way of saying people are stressed or worried. You might also hear it in sports commentary. When a penalty shootout is about to happen, the commentator might say: Die Zuschauer warten angespannt auf den nächsten Schuss. (The spectators are waiting tensely for the next shot.) This captures the collective breath-holding of the crowd.

In literature and film, angespannt is a key word for building suspense. A thriller might describe a protagonist's angespanntes Gesicht as they hide from a pursuer. It allows the author to convey internal fear through external physical descriptions. Even in medical or wellness contexts, you'll hear it: a physiotherapist might tell you, Ihre Nackenmuskulatur ist sehr angespannt. (Your neck muscles are very tense.) This wide range of application—from the geopolitical stage to the massage table—makes it one of the most useful adjectives in the German language.

Der Trainer beobachtete das Spiel mit einem angespannten Blick von der Seitenlinie aus.

Nach der Ankündigung der neuen Steuern herrschte eine angespannte Stille im Parlament.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing angespannt with spannend. While both come from the same root (spannen), they have very different meanings. Spannend means 'exciting' or 'thrilling' (like a good movie), whereas angespannt means 'tense' or 'strained' (like a bad mood). If you say, 'Der Film war sehr angespannt,' you are saying the film itself was feeling nervous, which makes no sense. You should say, 'Der Film war sehr spannend.'

Angespannt vs. Spannend: Angespannt = Tense/Stressed (Negative/Neutral). Spannend = Exciting/Interesting (Positive).
Angespannt vs. Gestresst: Gestresst is usually about having too much work. Angespannt is about the emotional or physical state of tension. You can be angespannt without being gestresst (e.g., waiting for a result).

Falsch: Ich bin so spannend wegen der Prüfung. Richtig: Ich bin so angespannt wegen der Prüfung.

Another error involves the preposition used with angespannt. If you want to say you are tense *because of* something, you usually use wegen (because of) + Genitive/Dative or vor (before/with) + Dative. For example, angespannt vor Erwartung (tense with expectation). Using 'für' or 'über' in these cases is usually incorrect. Furthermore, learners often forget the adjective endings when using it before a noun. 'Ein angespannt Moment' is wrong; it must be 'Ein angespannter Moment.'

Lastly, be careful with the word anstrengend (exhausting). While an angespannte situation can be anstrengend, they are not synonyms. Anstrengend refers to the effort required, while angespannt refers to the state of tension. A marathon is anstrengend, but the minutes before the starting gun are angespannt. Mixing these up can lead to confusion about whether you are tired or just nervous.

Falsch: Die Situation war sehr anstrengend (when you mean tense). Richtig: Die Stimmung war sehr angespannt.

To enrich your German vocabulary, it is helpful to know synonyms and related terms for angespannt. Depending on the context, you might want to choose a word that is more specific. For instance, if the tension is purely physical, verkrampft (cramped/convulsed) is a stronger alternative. If the tension is psychological and related to fear, nervös (nervous) or unruhig (restless) might be better. If you are describing a situation that is critical or precarious, kritisch or prekär are excellent choices.

Nervös: Use this for 'jittery' feelings. It’s more about the individual's reaction than the overall atmosphere. 'Ich bin nervös vor dem Date.'
Verkrampft: This implies a literal or metaphorical 'cramp.' It describes someone who is so tense they cannot move or act naturally. 'Sein Lächeln wirkte verkrampft.'
Belastet: Used for relationships or environments that are 'burdened' by past issues. 'Ein belastetes Verhältnis' is more permanent than an 'angespanntes Verhältnis.'

Statt angespannt zu sagen, kann man in der Politik oft von einer 'geladenen' Atmosphäre sprechen.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have antonyms. The most direct opposite of angespannt is entspannt (relaxed). While angespannt comes from anspannen (to tighten), entspannt comes from entspannen (to loosen/relax). Other opposites include locker (loose/casual), gelassen (composed/serene), and ruhig (calm). Knowing these pairs helps you describe the shift in a situation, for example: 'Zuerst war die Lage angespannt, aber nach dem Gespräch waren alle entspannt.'

Das angespannte Seil könnte jeden Moment reißen; wir brauchen ein lockereres.

In formal writing, you might also see prekär (precarious). A prekäre Lage is not just tense; it is dangerously close to collapsing. This is a higher-register word often used in economic or social analysis. By choosing between angespannt, nervös, verkrampft, and prekär, you can convey the exact flavor of 'tension' you are observing.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root also gives us the word for 'harnessing' a horse ('ein Pferd anspannen'). So, being 'angespannt' is like being a horse ready to pull a heavy wagon.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈanɡəˌʃpant/

US /ˈɑnɡəˌʃpɑnt/

Stress is on the first syllable: AN-gespannt.

Rima com

gebannt bekannt verwandt benannt verbannt gesandt verrannt Land

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'g' like 'j'. It must be a hard 'g'.
Pronouncing 'sch' like 's'. It must be a 'sh' sound.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'spannend'.
Missing the 't' at the end.
Adding a 'd' at the end like 'angespannd'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize once the root is known.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and distinguishing from 'spannend'.

Expressão oral 3/5

Useful for expressing feelings and describing situations.

Audição 3/5

Frequently heard in news broadcasts and daily life.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

spannen entspannt nervös die Stimmung die Lage

Aprenda a seguir

verkrampft belastet prekär die Anspannung der Stress

Avançado

die Hypertonie das Spannungsfeld der Belastungsfaktor die Dehnübung

Gramática essencial

Adjective endings after 'ein/eine'

Eine angespannt**e** Situation.

Adjective endings after 'der/die/das'

Die angespannt**e** Lage.

Using adjectives as adverbs

Er wartet angespannt (No ending needed).

Participles as adjectives

Angespannt is the Partizip II of anspannen.

Genitive with 'trotz'

Trotz der angespannt**en** Stimmung.

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Exemplos por nível

Ich bin heute sehr angespannt.

I am very tense today.

Predicative use of the adjective.

Bist du angespannt?

Are you tense?

Question form.

Der Lehrer ist angespannt.

The teacher is tense.

Simple subject-verb-adjective.

Mein Nacken ist angespannt.

My neck is tense.

Physical description.

Wir sind vor der Prüfung angespannt.

We are tense before the exam.

Use of 'vor' (before) + Dative.

Sie sieht angespannt aus.

She looks tense.

Used with 'aussehen' (to look like).

Nicht angespannt sein, bitte!

Don't be tense, please!

Imperative-like suggestion.

Das Kind ist angespannt.

The child is tense.

Simple adjective use.

Die Stimmung ist heute sehr angespannt.

The mood is very tense today.

Describing atmosphere.

Er hat ein angespanntes Gesicht.

He has a tense face.

Attributive use (ending -es).

Nach dem Streit war es angespannt.

After the argument, it was tense.

Impersonal 'es war'.

Warum bist du so angespannt?

Why are you so tense?

Interrogative with 'warum'.

Ich fühle mich angespannt.

I feel tense.

Reflexive verb 'sich fühlen'.

Die Arbeit ist momentan angespannt.

Work is tense at the moment.

Describing a situation.

Sie wartet angespannt auf den Bus.

She is waiting tensely for the bus.

Adverbial use.

Das ist eine angespannte Zeit.

This is a tense time.

Attributive use (ending -e).

Die Lage auf dem Arbeitsmarkt ist angespannt.

The situation on the job market is strained.

Formal situational description.

Er hörte der Nachricht angespannt zu.

He listened to the news tensely.

Adverb modifying 'zuhören'.

Trotz der angespannten Lage blieb er ruhig.

Despite the tense situation, he remained calm.

Genitive after 'trotz'.

Es herrschte eine angespannte Stille im Raum.

There was a tense silence in the room.

Collocation 'angespannte Stille'.

Wegen des Zeitdrucks sind alle Mitarbeiter angespannt.

Because of the time pressure, all employees are tense.

Causal clause with 'wegen'.

Ihre Beziehung ist seit dem Umzug angespannt.

Their relationship has been strained since the move.

Describing a relationship.

Der Sportler wirkte vor dem Start extrem angespannt.

The athlete seemed extremely tense before the start.

Modifying with 'extrem'.

Wir müssen diese angespannte Phase überstehen.

We have to get through this tense phase.

Attributive use in the accusative.

Das Verhältnis zwischen den Ländern ist weiterhin angespannt.

The relationship between the countries remains strained.

Political context.

Die finanzielle Situation des Unternehmens ist äußerst angespannt.

The company's financial situation is extremely strained.

Economic context.

Mit angespannten Nerven erwartete sie das Urteil.

With frayed nerves, she awaited the verdict.

Dative plural ending -en.

Die Polizei beobachtet die angespannte Sicherheitslage.

The police are monitoring the tense security situation.

Official terminology.

Ein angespanntes Seil kann leicht reißen.

A taut rope can easily break.

Literal physical meaning.

Er sprach mit einer angespannten Stimme.

He spoke with a strained voice.

Describing manner of speaking.

Die angespannte Atmosphäre war fast greifbar.

The tense atmosphere was almost palpable.

Metaphorical use.

Viele Haushalte leiden unter der angespannten Preissituation.

Many households are suffering from the strained price situation.

Social-economic context.

Die angespannte Dialektik seiner Argumentation faszinierte das Publikum.

The tense dialectic of his argumentation fascinated the audience.

Abstract academic use.

Er versuchte, seine angespannte Haltung zu verbergen.

He tried to hide his tense posture.

Psychological nuance.

Die durch Sparmaßnahmen angespannten sozialen Dienste stoßen an ihre Grenzen.

The social services, strained by austerity measures, are reaching their limits.

Extended participial attribute.

In Erwartung des Sturms herrschte eine angespannte Ruhe.

In anticipation of the storm, there was a tense calm.

Literary 'Ruhe vor dem Sturm'.

Seine Muskeln waren so angespannt, dass er kaum atmen konnte.

His muscles were so tense that he could hardly breathe.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Die Verhandlungen verliefen in einer angespannten, aber sachlichen Weise.

The negotiations proceeded in a tense but objective manner.

Nuanced description of style.

Das angespannte Verhältnis der Geschwister war Thema der Therapie.

The siblings' strained relationship was the subject of the therapy.

Clinical/psychological context.

Man spürte die angespannte Erwartung im Konzertsaal.

One could feel the tense expectation in the concert hall.

Collective emotion.

Die ontologische Anspannung des Seins findet in seinem Werk einen angespannten Ausdruck.

The ontological tension of being finds a strained expression in his work.

High-level philosophical discourse.

Angespannt bis zum Zerreißen, hielt die diplomatische Brücke kaum noch stand.

Tense to the point of breaking, the diplomatic bridge barely held up.

Metaphorical participial phrase.

Die fiskalische Disziplin führte zu einer angespannten Haushaltsführung.

Fiscal discipline led to strained budget management.

Specialized economic terminology.

Ihre Züge waren von einer angespannten Melancholie gezeichnet.

Her features were marked by a strained melancholy.

Literary/poetic description.

Die angespannte Suche nach Wahrheit prägte sein gesamtes Leben.

The strained search for truth shaped his entire life.

Abstract life-long state.

Trotz angespanntester Bemühungen konnte kein Kompromiss erzielt werden.

Despite the most strained efforts, no compromise could be reached.

Superlative form 'angespanntest-'.

Das Werk reflektiert die angespannte Beziehung zwischen Individuum und Staat.

The work reflects the strained relationship between the individual and the state.

Political science context.

In der angespannten Stille nach dem Schuss schien die Zeit stillzustehen.

In the tense silence after the shot, time seemed to stand still.

Narrative pacing.

Colocações comuns

angespannte Atmosphäre

angespannte Lage

angespanntes Verhältnis

angespannt warten

angespannt zuhören

angespannte Muskeln

angespannt wirken

angespannte Erwartung

angespannte Haushaltslage

angespannt blicken

Frases Comuns

Die Lage ist angespannt.

— The situation is tense or critical. Used often in news.

Nach dem Streik ist die Lage am Flughafen angespannt.

Innerlich angespannt sein.

— To feel tense on the inside, even if appearing calm.

Obwohl sie lächelte, war sie innerlich angespannt.

Angespannt wie ein Flitzebogen.

— Extremely tense or excited (like a drawn bow).

Das Kind war vor seinem Geburtstag angespannt wie ein Flitzebogen.

Ein angespanntes Gesicht machen.

— To have a tense facial expression.

Warum machst du so ein angespanntes Gesicht?

Angespannt auf etwas hinarbeiten.

— To work towards something with high focus and stress.

Wir arbeiten angespannt auf die Deadline hin.

Die Nerven sind angespannt.

— The nerves are on edge.

In der Prüfungsphase sind meine Nerven extrem angespannt.

Ein angespanntes Schweigen.

— A tense silence.

Nach seiner Frage folgte ein angespanntes Schweigen.

Angespannt sein bis zum Gehtnichtmehr.

— To be tense to the absolute limit.

Ich bin angespannt bis zum Gehtnichtmehr.

Die angespannte Marktsituation.

— The strained market situation.

Die angespannte Marktsituation macht Sorgen.

Angespanntes Miteinander.

— Tense interaction/coexistence.

In der WG herrscht ein angespanntes Miteinander.

Frequentemente confundido com

angespannt vs spannend

Means 'exciting'. Do not use for stress or tension.

angespannt vs anstrengend

Means 'exhausting'. It refers to the effort, not the state of tension.

angespannt vs spontan

Sounds similar but means 'spontaneous'. Completely unrelated.

Expressões idiomáticas

"auf die Folter gespannt sein"

— To be kept in suspense (related root).

Spann mich nicht so auf die Folter!

informal

"den Bogen überspannen"

— To go too far (related root).

Du hast den Bogen jetzt wirklich überspannt.

neutral

"unter Strom stehen"

— To be highly stressed or tense (idiomatic alternative).

Ich stehe heute total unter Strom.

informal

"auf glühenden Kohlen sitzen"

— To be on pins and needles (feeling of tension).

Er saß angespannt auf glühenden Kohlen.

neutral

"die Luft ist zum Schneiden"

— The atmosphere is so tense you could cut it with a knife.

Hier herrscht eine Stimmung, die Luft ist zum Schneiden.

informal

"ein dünnes Nervenkostüm haben"

— To have thin nerves (to be easily tensed).

Heute habe ich ein sehr dünnes Nervenkostüm.

informal

"hummeln im Hintern haben"

— To be restless/fidgety (often goes with tension).

Das Kind ist angespannt und hat Hummeln im Hintern.

informal

"die Zähne zusammenbeißen"

— To grit one's teeth (physical sign of tension).

Er biss angespannt die Zähne zusammen.

neutral

"einen Kloß im Hals haben"

— To have a lump in one's throat (emotional tension).

Sie war so angespannt, dass sie einen Kloß im Hals hatte.

neutral

"kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen"

— To speak frankly (often breaks a tense silence).

In der angespannten Sitzung nahm er kein Blatt vor den Mund.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

angespannt vs spannend

Same root 'spannen'.

Spannend is positive/exciting (a movie). Angespannt is neutral/negative (stress/tension).

Der Krimi ist spannend, aber ich bin angespannt.

angespannt vs entspannt

Opposite prefix 'ent-' vs 'an-'.

Entspannt is relaxed. Angespannt is tense.

Nach dem Yoga bin ich entspannt, vorher war ich angespannt.

angespannt vs anstrengend

Both start with 'an-'.

Anstrengend describes a task that takes energy. Angespannt describes a state of nerves.

Die Arbeit war anstrengend, deshalb bin ich jetzt angespannt.

angespannt vs verkrampft

Similar meaning.

Verkrampft is more extreme, like a physical cramp or being totally unable to act naturally.

Er wirkte beim ersten Date sehr verkrampft.

angespannt vs nervös

Often used as synonyms.

Nervös is more about jittery energy. Angespannt is more about pressure and tension.

Ich bin nervös, weil ich singen muss, und meine Muskeln sind angespannt.

Padrões de frases

Ich bin [Adjective].

Ich bin angespannt.

Die [Noun] ist [Adjective].

Die Stimmung ist angespannt.

Er [Verb] angespannt.

Er wartet angespannt.

Wegen [Genitive] ist es angespannt.

Wegen des Tests ist es angespannt.

Ein [Adjective] [Noun] [Verb].

Ein angespanntes Verhältnis belastet den Alltag.

Trotz [Genitive] [Adjective] [Noun]...

Trotz der angespannten Lage blieb er ruhig.

Sich [Adjective] fühlen.

Ich fühle mich heute innerlich angespannt.

Die durch [Noun] [Adjective] [Noun]...

Die durch Krisen angespannte Marktsituation erfordert Mut.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Anspannung (tension)

die Spannung (tension/voltage)

das Gespinst (web/fabric)

Verbos

anspannen (to tense/harness)

entspannen (to relax)

spannen (to stretch)

überspannen (to overstretch)

Adjetivos

spannend (exciting)

entspannt (relaxed)

spannungsreich (tense/full of suspense)

spannungsgeladen (charged with tension)

Relacionado

der Spann (instep)

der Spanner (tensioner)

die Spannweite (span)

der Spannungsbogen (arc of suspense)

die Spannkraft (resilience)

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Como usar

frequency

Very high in news, medium-high in daily life.

Erros comuns

Der Film war angespannt. → Der Film war spannend.
'Angespannt' is for tension/stress, 'spannend' is for excitement.
Ich bin angespannt über die Prüfung. → Ich bin wegen der Prüfung angespannt.
Use 'wegen' (because of) or 'vor' (before) instead of 'über'.
Ein angespannt Moment. → Ein angespannter Moment.
Adjectives before masculine nouns in the nominative need the -er ending.
Ich fühle mich angespanntet. → Ich fühle mich angespannt.
Do not add an extra 'et' to the adjective.
Die Stimmung ist entspannt (when it's bad). → Die Stimmung ist angespannt.
Don't confuse the word with its opposite 'entspannt'.

Dicas

Prefix Power

Remember that 'an-' means 'on/tight' and 'ent-' means 'off/loose'. This helps you remember angespannt vs. entspannt.

Adverbial Use

Don't add endings when using 'angespannt' to describe an action. 'Er arbeitet angespannt' is correct.

Political Context

When you hear 'Die Lage ist angespannt' in the news, it usually means something serious is happening.

The 'sch' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'sch' clearly. It's like the 'sh' in 'shoe'.

Body Language

Use this word to describe your neck or shoulders if they hurt from sitting too long.

Synonym Variety

In B2/C1 exams, try using 'belastet' or 'prekär' instead of 'angespannt' if the situation is very serious.

Context Clues

If you hear 'angespannt' followed by 'Stimmung', it's always about the mood in a group.

The Bow

Visualize a bow (Flitzebogen) that is pulled back. That is 'angespannt'.

Not exciting!

Never use 'angespannt' to say a book or movie is exciting. Use 'spannend'.

Expressing Feelings

It's a very polite way to say you're a bit stressed. 'Ich bin gerade etwas angespannt.'

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of an ANGRY SPANner (wrench) that is tightening a bolt too much. The bolt is now 'angespannt' (tense).

Associação visual

A guitar string being wound tighter and tighter until it is perfectly straight and humming with potential energy.

Word Web

Stress Nerven Muskeln Situation Politik Druck Erwartung Stille

Desafio

Try to find three things in your current room that could be described as 'angespannt' (e.g., a wire, your shoulders, the silence).

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Middle High German verb 'spannen', which comes from Old High German 'spannan'. It shares roots with the English word 'span'.

Significado original: To stretch or to draw tight (like a bow or a cloth).

Germanic (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

Calling someone 'verkrampft' can be an insult (meaning they are uptight or unnatural), but 'angespannt' is generally seen as a neutral description of a state.

English speakers often use 'stressed' or 'tense' interchangeably, but 'angespannt' is more formal than 'stressed' and less medical than 'hypertensive'.

The 'Lagebericht' (situation report) of the German government often uses 'angespannt' to describe international relations. In German thrillers (Krimis), the 'angespannte Atmosphäre' is a key stylistic element. Physiotherapists in Germany frequently use the term to describe 'Verspannungen' (tensions).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the Office

Die Stimmung ist angespannt.
Wir arbeiten angespannt.
Ein angespanntes Meeting.
Angespannte Deadlines.

Health & Body

Angespannte Muskeln.
Der Nacken ist angespannt.
Sich angespannt fühlen.
Entspannungsübungen machen.

Politics/News

Die Lage ist angespannt.
Angespannte Beziehungen.
Ein angespannter Markt.
Die Sicherheitslage ist angespannt.

Relationships

Ein angespanntes Verhältnis.
Es ist gerade angespannt bei uns.
Ein angespanntes Gespräch.
Die Stimmung war angespannt.

Sports

Angespannt auf den Start warten.
Ein angespannter Blick.
Die Zuschauer sind angespannt.
Angespannte Nerven.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Findest du auch, dass die Stimmung im Büro heute ein bisschen angespannt ist?"

"Warst du vor deinem letzten Vorstellungsgespräch sehr angespannt?"

"Was machst du normalerweise, wenn dein Nacken total angespannt ist?"

"Glaubst du, dass die Lage auf dem Wohnungsmarkt bald weniger angespannt sein wird?"

"Wie gehst du damit um, wenn ein Gespräch mit einem Freund plötzlich angespannt wird?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich extrem angespannt gefühlt hast. Was war der Grund dafür?

Wie unterscheidet sich eine 'angespannte' Situation von einer 'spannenden' Situation in deinem Leben?

Schreibe über die angespannte Lage in der Weltpolitik. Was macht dir am meisten Sorgen?

Was sind deine besten Tipps, um nicht mehr angespannt zu sein, wenn man viel Stress hat?

Reflektiere über ein angespanntes Verhältnis in deiner Vergangenheit. Wie hat es sich verändert?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, you should use 'spannend' for an exciting movie. 'Angespannt' would mean the movie itself is feeling stressed, which is not possible. However, you can say 'Die Atmosphäre im Film war angespannt.'

'Gestresst' usually implies you have too much work or too many things to do. 'Angespannt' is more about the physical or emotional tension itself. You can be 'angespannt' while waiting for a result, even if you aren't busy.

In German, you just use the adjective form without an ending. For example: 'Er schaute angespannt auf die Uhr.' (He looked tensely at the clock.)

It is usually neutral to negative. It implies a lack of relaxation, which is generally not seen as a positive state, but it is a very common and normal human feeling.

Yes, it can describe a rope or a wire that is pulled tight. 'Das Seil ist fest angespannt.'

The noun is 'die Anspannung'. For example: 'Die Anspannung vor dem Spiel war groß.'

Yes, when it is used before a noun (attributive use). For example: 'ein angespannter Mann', 'eine angespannte Frau', 'ein angespanntes Kind'.

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it almost every day in reports about politics, the economy, or international conflicts.

No, that doesn't work. If you are waiting for someone, you say 'Ich warte angespannt auf dich.' Use the preposition 'auf' with the verb 'warten'.

The most common opposite is 'entspannt' (relaxed). Another one is 'locker' (loose/casual).

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