nerve
der Nerv, die Nerven
Loading your saved state.
nerve
A bundle of nerve fibers in the body that transmits signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body.
Der Arzt stellte fest, dass ein Nerv im Arm verletzt war.
The doctor determined that a nerve in his arm had been injured.
nerve
The inner strength and calm needed to endure a difficult or stressful situation; usually used in the plural.
Für diese anstrengende Arbeit braucht man starke Nerven.
You need strong nerves for this demanding job.
to get on someone's nerves
To annoy or bother someone greatly.
Das ständige Klingeln geht mir langsam auf den Nerv.
The constant ringing is starting to get on my nerves.
to hit a nerve
To recognize and address the decisive or particularly sensitive point of an issue or problem precisely.
Mit seiner Kritik hat er den Nerv der Zeit getroffen.
With his criticism, he hit a nerve in society.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Nerven |
| genitive | des Nervs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Nerv | die Nerven |
| accusative | den Nerv den Nerven | die Nerven |
| dative | dem Nerv | den Nerven |
| genitive | des Nervs des Nerves, des Nerven | der Nerven |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In addition to its physical meaning, 'Nerv' (nerve) is frequently used in fixed expressions and figurative phrases. The context shows whether it refers to the body, resilience, or a decisive point.
Nach dem langen Streit lagen bei allen die Nerven blank.
After the long argument, everyone's nerves were frayed.
In medical contexts, 'Nerv' (nerve) is often used with verbs such as 'verletzen' (to injure), 'reizen' (to irritate), 'schädigen' (to damage), or 'einklemmen' (to pinch). References to parts of the body are also common.
Durch den Unfall wurde ein Nerv im Bein eingeklemmt.
The accident caused a nerve in his leg to become pinched.
When referring to resilience, 'Nerv' (nerve) is almost always used in the plural. Typical collocations include 'starke Nerven haben' (to have strong nerves), 'die Nerven behalten' (to keep one's composure), and 'die Nerven verlieren' (to lose one's nerve).
Wer in diesem Beruf arbeiten möchte, muss starke Nerven haben.
Anyone who wants to work in this profession must have strong nerves.
In the expression 'jemandem auf den Nerv gehen' (to get on someone's nerves), the affected person is in the dative. The annoying thing or action appears as the subject.
Die laute Musik der Nachbarn geht mir auf den Nerv.
The neighbors' loud music is getting on my nerves.
'Den Nerv treffen' (to hit a nerve) often describes an apt remark, criticism, or reaction. It is frequently followed by a genitive phrase such as 'der Zeit' (of the times) or 'des Publikums' (of the audience).
Mit diesem Film hat die Regisseurin den Nerv der jungen Zuschauer getroffen.
With this film, the director hit a nerve with young viewers.
