01
erbost
enraged
To be very angry or furious. It describes a state of strong irritation or anger.
example
Der Trainer war erbost über die Fehlentscheidung des Schiedsrichters.
The coach was enraged about the referee's wrong decision.
erbost
enraged
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Erbost' (enraged) is structured like a past participle. It derives from the prefix 'er-' (which often describes a state that has been reached) and the adjective 'böse' (angry/evil). So it literally means having been put into an angry state.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wartezeit war der Kunde sichtlich erbost.
After the long waiting time, the customer was visibly enraged.
Sentence structure with preposition
To express the reason for the anger, 'erbost' (enraged) is almost always used with the preposition 'über' and the accusative. The structure is: erbost sein über etwas/jemanden (to be enraged about something/someone).
EXAMPLE
Sie war erbost über seine unhöfliche Antwort.
She was enraged about his rude answer.
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The word 'erbost' (enraged) belongs more to written language or a more formal style. You often read it in newspaper articles or hear it in the news when angry people are being reported on.
EXAMPLE
In einem Brief an die Zeitung äußerte ein erboster Leser seine Kritik.
In a letter to the newspaper, an enraged reader expressed his criticism.
Compare with
erbost vs sauer
sour / angry
'sauer' and 'erbost' both describe anger. 'Sauer' is a normal, colloquial word for annoyed, angry, or in a bad mood. 'Erbost' is stronger and sounds somewhat more formal; it describes clear, strong anger. Learners may confuse the words because both show a negative reaction. In everyday life, people often say 'sauer'. In reports, complaints, or more serious situations, 'erbost' sounds more precise.
erbost
Die Kundin war erbost über die lange Wartezeit am Schalter.
The customer was enraged about the long wait at the counter.
sauer
Lisa ist sauer, weil niemand ihr Bescheid gesagt hat.
Lisa is angry because no one let her know.
In real life
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