uproar
Loading your saved state.
uproar
A state of great unrest, turmoil, or open protest in a crowd or among the public.
Die plötzliche Gesetzesänderung versetzte das ganze Land in Aufruhr.
The sudden change in the law threw the whole country into uproar.
The word 'Aufruhr' (uproar) is related to the verb 'rühren' (to stir). An 'Aufruhr' is a state in which a crowd or a person's feelings are strongly 'aufgerührt' (stirred up) or agitated.
Die Rede des Politikers rührte die Menge auf.
The politician's speech stirred up the crowd.
'Aufruhr' (uproar) is generally used as an uncountable noun in the singular. You do not speak of 'mehreren Aufruhren' (several uproars), but instead describe the state of unrest.
Überall in der Hauptstadt herrschte Aufruhr.
There was uproar everywhere in the capital.
A very common combination is 'jemanden oder etwas in Aufruhr versetzen' (to throw someone or something into uproar). It means to trigger unrest or protest in a person or group.
Die Gerüchte über die Werksschließung versetzten die ganze Belegschaft in Aufruhr.
The rumors about the factory closure threw the entire workforce into uproar.
For emotional unrest, the fixed expression 'in Aufruhr sein' (to be in turmoil) or 'in Aufruhr geraten' (to fall into turmoil) is used. A common intensifier is 'in hellem Aufruhr sein' (to be in great turmoil).
Nach der schockierenden Nachricht war sie innerlich in hellem Aufruhr.
After the shocking news, she was inwardly in great turmoil.
excitement / commotion
'Aufregung' and 'Aufruhr' both describe strong unrest. 'Aufregung' can be internal, for example before an appointment, or external, when many people react hectically. 'Aufruhr' is stronger and sounds more serious. It fits especially when a group is very agitated, is protesting, or a situation is almost getting out of control. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to unrest. As a guide: 'Aufregung' is more common and broader, while 'Aufruhr' is more intense and dramatic.
Nach der Entscheidung des Chefs war das ganze Team in Aufruhr.
After the boss's decision, the whole team was in uproar.
Vor dem ersten Schultag konnte Tom seine Aufregung kaum verbergen.
Before the first day of school, Tom could hardly hide his excitement.