besorgniserregend
concerning
Describing a situation or development that gives cause for concern and is unsettling.
EXAMPLE
Der rapide Rückgang der Insektenpopulation ist besorgniserregend.
The rapid decline in the insect population is concerning.
besorgniserregend
concerning / alarming
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the fixed expression 'Besorgnis erregen' (to cause concern). It is the present participle form and literally means 'causing concern'.
EXAMPLE
Die Lage im Krisengebiet ist besorgniserregend.
The situation in the crisis region is concerning.
Use as an adverb
'Besorgniserregend' (concerning) can also be used as an adverb to intensify another adjective or adverb. It then describes an unsettling degree or extent.
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeitslosenzahlen sind besorgniserregend hoch.
The unemployment figures are worryingly high.
Typical collocations
This adjective is often used to describe abstract nouns such as 'Entwicklung' (development), 'Zustand' (condition), 'Nachricht' (news), or 'Tendenz' (trend).
EXAMPLE
Die Ärzte beobachten eine besorgniserregende Entwicklung bei dem Patienten.
The doctors are observing a concerning development in the patient.
Compare with
besorgniserregend vs kritisch
critical
When a condition is deteriorating, „kritisch“ and „besorgniserregend“ can both express serious concern. „Besorgniserregend“ mainly says that something is cause for concern, while „kritisch“ suggests that a dangerous or decisive threshold is being approached. Use „besorgniserregend“ for the concern itself and „kritisch“ for the acute situation.
besorgniserregend
Der Zustand des Patienten war besorgniserregend, weil sich seine Beschwerden weiter verschlechterten.
The patient's condition was concerning because their symptoms continued to worsen.
kritisch
Der Zustand des Patienten wurde kritisch, nachdem sich seine Beschwerden plötzlich verschlechtert hatten.
The patient's condition became critical after their symptoms suddenly worsened.
In real life
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