angespannt
tense
To be in a state of inner restlessness, nervousness, or tension.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem wichtigen Vorstellungsgespräch war sie sehr angespannt.
Before the important job interview, she was very tense.
angespannt
tense
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
angespannt
tense
Describing a situation or relationship that is difficult, critical, or full of potential for conflict.
EXAMPLE
Die politische Lage zwischen den beiden Ländern ist äußerst angespannt.
The political situation between the two countries is extremely tense.
angespannt
tense
Physically tight or with firm, unrelaxed muscles.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung fühlten sich seine Wadenmuskeln hart und angespannt an.
After the long hike, his calf muscles felt hard and tense.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Angespannt' (tense) is the past participle of the separable verb 'anspannen' (to tighten / to tense). The verb 'spannen' means to pull something tight. The prefix 'an' intensifies this, and the basic idea of 'Anspannung' (tension) or 'Druck' (pressure) connects all meanings of the adjective.
EXAMPLE
Er musste die Seile für das Zelt fest anspannen.
He had to tighten the ropes for the tent firmly.
Context clues
The context shows which meaning is intended. If 'angespannt' (tense) refers to a person, it means nervous. If it refers to a situation, it means critical. If it refers to a body part, it means tight or cramped.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner wirkte vor seinem Vortrag sichtlich angespannt.
The speaker seemed visibly tense before his talk.
Typical collocations
When a situation is difficult, 'angespannt' (tense) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Lage' (situation), 'Situation' (situation), 'Verhältnis' (relationship), or 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere).
EXAMPLE
Das finanzielle Verhältnis zwischen den Geschäftspartnern war angespannt.
The financial relationship between the business partners was tense.
Physical tension
In the physical meaning, the word is usually used with muscles or body parts that are often affected by stress, such as 'angespannte Schultern' (tense shoulders), 'ein angespannter Kiefer' (a tense jaw), or 'angespannte Muskeln' (tense muscles).
EXAMPLE
Durch die Massage lösten sich ihre angespannten Schultern.
The massage loosened her tense shoulders.
Compare with
angespannt vs nervös
nervous
Nervös and angespannt can both express inner restlessness before or during a stressful situation. Nervös focuses more on agitated unease and insecure behavior. Angespannt emphasizes the state of pressure more strongly and can also describe stress that lasts for a longer period.
angespannt
Wegen der Vorbereitung auf ihren Vortrag ist Mia seit Tagen angespannt.
Mia has been tense for days because of preparing for her presentation.
nervös
Kurz vor ihrem Vortrag ist Mia nervös und spielt ständig mit ihrem Stift.
Mia is nervous just before her presentation and keeps fidgeting with her pen.
In real life
Loading video examples...