concern / fear
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concern / fear
A worry or fear that something negative or unpleasant could happen. The word can refer both to the feeling itself and to the concrete reason for the worry.
Meine Befürchtung ist, dass wir den letzten Bus verpasst haben.
My concern is that we missed the last bus.
The noun 'Befürchtung' (concern / fear) is derived from the verb 'befürchten' (to fear), which in turn is based on the word 'Furcht' (fear). The prefix 'be-' turns the feeling 'Furcht' (fear) into an action or mental process.
Ich befürchte, dass es morgen regnen wird.
I’m afraid that it will rain tomorrow.
A 'Befürchtung' (concern / fear) is often made more specific with a 'dass' clause or an infinitive construction with 'zu'. These constructions explain exactly what the worry consists of.
Er äußerte die Befürchtung, seinen Job zu verlieren.
He expressed the concern that he might lose his job.
Common verbs used with 'Befürchtung' (concern / fear) are 'Befürchtungen haben' (to have concerns), 'Befürchtungen hegen' (to harbor concerns), or 'Befürchtungen äußern' (to express concerns). When a concern comes true, you say: 'Die Befürchtung hat sich bewahrheitet' (the fear has proved true).
Leider haben sich unsere schlimmsten Befürchtungen bewahrheitet.
Unfortunately, our worst fears have come true.
fear
„Die Angst“ primarily refers to the strong feeling of being threatened itself. „Die Befürchtung“ focuses more on a specific negative event that might occur and can also name the reason for the worry. Use „Angst“ for the emotional reaction and „Befürchtung“ for the specific negative expectation.
Wegen des starken Sturms hatte sie die Befürchtung, dass der Keller überlaufen könnte.
Because of the severe storm, she feared that the basement might flood.
Wegen des starken Sturms hatte sie Angst.
Because of the severe storm, she was afraid.
