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' and 'die Befürchtung' can both express worry about something negative. 'Angst' describes the feeling itself more strongly: you feel threatened, insecure, or very worried. 'Befürchtung' sounds more matter-of-fact and often means the thought that something bad could happen. That is why 'Befürchtung' is often used with a dass-clause. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with worry. If the feeling is the focus, 'Angst' is more natural. If you are naming a specific negative possibility, 'Befürchtung' fits better.
Karim hat die Befürchtung, dass der Termin heute ausfällt.
Karim is concerned that today's appointment will be canceled.
Mara hat Angst um ihren Bruder, weil er seit Stunden nicht erreichbar ist.
Mara fears for her brother because he has not been reachable for hours.