die Besorgnis
concern
A feeling of worry, fear, or unease in view of an uncertain or threatening situation.
EXAMPLE
Die anhaltende Trockenheit erfüllt die Landwirte mit großer Besorgnis.
The continuing drought fills the farmers with great concern.
die Besorgnis
concern
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Besorgnis' (concern) belongs to the word family of 'die Sorge' (worry) and the adjective 'besorgt' (worried / concerned). It describes the feeling or state of being worried and is often found in more formal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Seine Abwesenheit löste bei seiner Familie große Besorgnis aus.
His absence caused great concern among his family.
Correct preposition
To express the reason for the worry, you use the preposition 'über' followed by the accusative. So one has Besorgnis 'über' (concern about) something.
EXAMPLE
Es herrscht Besorgnis über die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung des Landes.
There is concern about the country's economic development.
Typical collocations
The noun is often used in fixed expressions with verbs. Typical phrases are 'Besorgnis äußern' (to express concern), 'Besorgnis auslösen' (to cause concern), or 'Anlass zur Besorgnis geben' (to give cause for concern).
EXAMPLE
Die Wissenschaftler äußerten ihre Besorgnis über den Klimawandel.
The scientists expressed their concern about climate change.
Compare with
Besorgnis vs Befürchtung
concern / fear
Befürchtung and Besorgnis both refer to worry about an uncertain or threatening situation. Befürchtung is more likely to focus on a specific negative outcome, while Besorgnis describes the general state of unease. Use Befürchtung when saying what might happen, and Besorgnis when the overall worry is the focus.
Besorgnis
Wegen des dunklen Himmels zeigte sich bei den Gästen große Besorgnis.
Because of the dark sky, the guests showed great concern.
Befürchtung
Wegen des dunklen Himmels hatte er die Befürchtung, dass das Konzert ausfallen könnte.
Because of the dark sky, he feared that the concert might be canceled.
In real life
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