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beunruhigend
worrying
A quality of something that causes concern, fear, or unease.
example
Die Nachrichten über die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung sind beunruhigend.
The news about economic development is worrying.
beunruhigend
worrying
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'Beunruhigend' (worrying) is the present participle of the verb 'beunruhigen' (to worry/unsettle). It describes something that has the quality of causing unease. The verb itself is derived from 'unruhig' (restless/not calm).
EXAMPLE
Die plötzliche Stille im Haus war beunruhigend.
The sudden silence in the house was worrying.
Sentence structure and use
This word can stand as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb referring to the whole sentence. It is often used with verbs such as 'sein' (to be), 'wirken' (to seem), or 'finden' (to find/consider).
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine beunruhigende Entwicklung.
That is a worrying development.
Typical collocations
Common words that are described as 'beunruhigend' (worrying) include: a piece of news, a call, a silence, a result, or a thought. For emphasis, 'zutiefst' (deeply) or 'sehr' (very) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Das Ergebnis der Untersuchung war zutiefst beunruhigend.
The result of the investigation was deeply worrying.
Compare with
beunruhigend vs erschreckend
frightening
'erschreckend' and 'beunruhigend' are close in meaning because both describe something negative that can cause fear or worry. 'erschreckend' is usually stronger and suggests shock, fear, or great horror. 'beunruhigend' is often a little calmer: you are concerned because something does not look good or could develop badly. A piece of news can be worrying at first without already being frightening. If the effect is very strong, 'erschreckend' fits better. If it is about worry and uncertainty, 'beunruhigend' is more precise.
beunruhigend
Die lange Wartezeit auf die Untersuchung ist für meine Kollegin beunruhigend.
The long wait for the examination is worrying for my colleague.
erschreckend
Die Bilder nach dem Sturm waren erschreckend.
The pictures after the storm were frightening.
In real life
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