nervousness
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nervousness
A state of inner restlessness, tension, or anxiety, often before an important or difficult event.
Vor der Prüfung konnte sie ihre Nervosität kaum verbergen.
Before the exam, she could hardly hide her nervousness.
'Nervosität' (nervousness) is derived from the adjective 'nervös' (nervous). The ending '-ität' is often used with words of foreign origin to form an abstract noun.
Seine Nervosität vor dem Auftritt war deutlich spürbar.
His nervousness before the performance was clearly noticeable.
Common verbs used with 'Nervosität' (nervousness) are 'zeigen' (to show), 'verbergen' (to hide), 'ablegen' (to shake off), or 'bekämpfen' (to fight). You can also feel 'große' (great) or 'leichte' (slight) nervousness.
Er versuchte, seine Nervosität mit einem Lächeln zu verbergen.
He tried to hide his nervousness with a smile.
The preposition 'vor' describes the cause of a physical reaction ('vor Nervosität zittern' — to tremble with nervousness). The preposition 'aus' describes the reason for an action ('aus Nervosität einen Fehler machen' — to make a mistake out of nervousness).
Ihre Hände zitterten vor Nervosität.
Her hands were trembling with nervousness.
fear
'die Angst' and 'die Nervosität' can both occur before difficult situations. 'Angst' is stronger and has more to do with danger, threat, or serious worry. 'Nervosität' means more of an inner restlessness and tension, for example before an exam, an appointment, or a conversation. Learners may confuse the words because nervousness can sometimes seem anxious too. As a guide: if you are truly afraid, you say 'Angst'. If you are tense, but the situation is not necessarily dangerous, 'Nervosität' fits better.
Vor dem Vorstellungsgespräch merkt man Sofia ihre Nervosität deutlich an.
Before the job interview, Sofia's nervousness is clearly noticeable.
Nach dem Unfall im Verkehr hatte die Mitarbeiterin lange Angst vor dem Autofahren.
After the traffic accident, the employee was afraid of driving for a long time.