die Nervosität
nervousness
A state of inner restlessness, tension, or anxiety, often before an important or difficult event.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Prüfung konnte sie ihre Nervosität kaum verbergen.
Before the exam, she could hardly hide her nervousness.
die Nervosität
nervousness
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'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.
EXAMPLE
Seine Nervosität vor dem Auftritt war deutlich spürbar.
His nervousness before the performance was clearly noticeable.
Typical collocations
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.
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, seine Nervosität mit einem Lächeln zu verbergen.
He tried to hide his nervousness with a smile.
Use with prepositions
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).
EXAMPLE
Ihre Hände zitterten vor Nervosität.
Her hands were trembling with nervousness.
Compare with
Nervosität vs Aufregung
excitement / commotion
Aufregung and Nervosität can both refer to the tension felt before an important event. Aufregung can be positive, negative, or a mixture of both; Nervosität usually points to uncertainty or fear. Aufregung fits joyful anticipation, while Nervosität is more precise for anxious restlessness.
Nervosität
Vor dem ersten Arbeitstag spürte Amir wegen seiner Unsicherheit starke Nervosität.
Amir felt intense nervousness before his first day at work because of his uncertainty.
Aufregung
Vor dem ersten Arbeitstag spürte Amir eine freudige Aufregung.
Amir felt joyful excitement before his first day at work.
In real life
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