fear
die Furcht
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fear
A strong feeling of fear in the face of an impending danger or something unpleasant. The word is often more formal or literary than 'Angst' (fear).
Die Furcht vor der wichtigen Prüfung lähmte ihn.
Fear of the important exam paralyzed him.
to fear that
To express a fear or concern that something negative might happen.
Ich habe die Furcht, dass wir den letzten Zug verpassen.
I fear that we will miss the last train.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Furcht |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Furcht | – |
| accusative | die Furcht | – |
| dative | der Furcht | – |
| genitive | der Furcht | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Die Furcht' (fear) belongs to a word family with the verb '(sich) fürchten' (to be afraid) and the adjective 'furchtbar' (terrible). All of these words relate to the feeling of fear.
Er fürchtet sich vor Spinnen.
He is afraid of spiders.
The noun 'Furcht' (fear) is almost always used with the preposition 'vor' (of/before) and the dative. The structure is: Furcht vor jemandem/etwas haben (to be afraid of someone/something).
Viele Menschen haben Furcht vor öffentlichen Reden.
Many people have a fear of public speaking.
'Furcht' (fear) is mainly used in written language or in a formal or literary context. It often sounds more serious and stronger than the more everyday word for fear.
In dem Gedicht geht es um die Furcht vor dem Unbekannten.
The poem is about fear of the unknown.
When 'Furcht' (fear) expresses a concern, the construction 'die Furcht haben, dass ...' (to have the fear that ...) is often used. It is followed by a subordinate clause with the verb at the end.
Er hat die Furcht, dass sein Geheimnis entdeckt wird.
He fears that his secret will be discovered.
fear
When danger is imminent, die Angst and die Furcht can refer to the same strong feeling. Die Angst is broader and more common in everyday German, while die Furcht often sounds more formal or literary. In normal conversation, usually use Angst; Furcht also fits a solemn or literary text.
Die Wanderer empfanden Furcht vor dem herannahenden Gewitter.
The hikers felt fear in the face of the approaching storm.
Die Wanderer hatten Angst vor dem herannahenden Gewitter.
The hikers were afraid of the approaching storm.
