tension
Loading your saved state.
tension
A state of inner restlessness, nervousness, or psychological stress, often before an important or difficult situation.
Vor der Prüfung war die Anspannung im Raum deutlich zu spüren.
Before the exam, the tension in the room was clearly noticeable.
The word is derived from the verb 'anspannen' (to tense up). It describes the state that occurs when something is tensed—whether the mind or a muscle.
Vor dem Wettkampf spannte er jeden Muskel bewusst an.
Before the competition, he consciously tensed every muscle.
You can tell from the context whether psychological stress or muscular tension is meant. Words like 'Prüfung' (exam) or 'Stress' (stress) point to the psychological meaning, while body parts like 'Nacken' (neck) or 'Muskeln' (muscles) indicate the physical meaning.
Die Anspannung vor dem Vorstellungsgespräch war enorm.
The tension before the job interview was enormous.
For psychological stress, the phrase 'unter Anspannung stehen' (to be under tension/stress) is often used. You can also say 'Anspannung spüren' (to feel tension) or 'Anspannung abbauen' (to reduce tension).
Die Verhandlungsführer standen während der gesamten Konferenz unter großer Anspannung.
The negotiators were under great tension throughout the entire conference.
In medical or sports contexts, people often speak of 'muskuläre Anspannung' (muscular tension). Typical verbs in this context are 'lösen' (to release) or 'lockern' (to loosen).
Yoga-Übungen helfen dabei, muskuläre Anspannungen zu lösen.
Yoga exercises help release muscular tension.
pressure / printing
'der Druck' and 'die Anspannung' can both describe stress before or during a difficult situation. 'Druck' often comes from outside: you have to get something done, someone expects something, or time is short. 'Anspannung' describes the inner state more strongly: you are nervous, restless, or find it hard to relax. Learners may confuse the words because Druck often leads to Anspannung. You are more likely to say 'unter Druck stehen' (to be under pressure) when the demands are the focus, and 'Anspannung spüren' (to feel tension) when it is about the feeling in your body or mind.
Kurz vor dem Ergebnis war die Anspannung im Raum deutlich zu spüren.
Shortly before the result, the tension in the room was clearly noticeable.
Vor dem Termin stand der Fahrer unter großem Druck.
Before the appointment, the driver was under a lot of pressure.