01
die Bestürzung
dismay
A state of shock, speechlessness, and concern triggered by a sudden negative event.
example
Die Nachricht von dem Unfall löste bei allen große Bestürzung aus.
The news of the accident caused great dismay among everyone.
die Bestürzung
dismay
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Bestürzung' (dismay) comes from the verb 'bestürzen' (to shock). This is derived from 'stürzen' (to fall/crash). The idea is that a negative event emotionally 'knocks someone over' or throws them to the ground.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht von der Schließung des Werks bestürzte die Mitarbeiter.
The news of the plant's closure shocked the employees.
Typical collocations
'Bestürzung' (dismay) is often used with certain verbs. An event can 'Bestürzung auslösen' (cause dismay), you can 'seine Bestürzung ausdrücken' (express your dismay), or 'mit Bestürzung auf etwas reagieren' (react to something with dismay).
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker drückte seine tiefe Bestürzung über die Ereignisse aus.
The politician expressed his deep dismay over the events.
Use with preposition
To state the reason for the dismay, the preposition 'über' (about/over) with the accusative is usually used.
EXAMPLE
Es herrschte große Bestürzung über den Ausgang der Wahl.
There was great dismay over the outcome of the election.
Register
The word 'Bestürzung' (dismay) belongs more to formal or written language. It is often found in news reports or official statements.
EXAMPLE
In einer ersten Stellungnahme zeigte sich die Regierung bestürzt.
In an initial statement, the government said it was shocked.
Compare with
Bestürzung vs Ruhe
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'die Bestürzung' form an opposite pair when it comes to feelings. 'die Ruhe' means inner calm or the ability to stay calm in a difficult situation. 'die Bestürzung', on the other hand, means strong shock and speechlessness after a negative event. 'Ruhe' fits when someone remains level-headed. 'Bestürzung' fits when people are deeply affected by bad news.
Bestürzung
Nach der plötzlichen Nachricht war die Bestürzung im ganzen Team groß.
After the sudden news, there was great dismay throughout the whole team.
Ruhe
Trotz des Unfalls bewahrte der Fahrer seine Ruhe und rief sofort Hilfe.
Despite the accident, the driver kept calm and immediately called for help.
In real life
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