tension / suspense / voltage
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suspense
A state of excited expectation about how something will turn out, especially in a story, film, or competition.
Die Spannung vor der Verkündung des Gewinners war kaum auszuhalten.
The suspense before the announcement of the winner was almost unbearable.
tension
A state of conflict, mistrust, or hostility between people, groups, or countries.
Die politischen Spannungen zwischen den beiden Ländern haben wieder zugenommen.
Political tensions between the two countries have increased again.
voltage
In physics, the electric potential difference between two points, measured in volts.
Eine normale Steckdose in Deutschland hat eine Spannung von 230 Volt.
A normal wall outlet in Germany has a voltage of 230 volts.
tension
The state that arises when something (e.g., a rope, a muscle, a spring) is pulled tight or stretched.
Durch die hohe Spannung ist das Seil gerissen.
The rope snapped because of the high tension.
'Die Spannung' (tension/suspense/voltage) is the noun related to the verb 'spannen'. 'Spannen' means to pull something tight or to make someone curious. Both of these meanings appear again in the noun 'Spannung'.
Der Autor spannt die Leser bis zur letzten Seite auf die Folter.
The author keeps the readers in suspense until the last page.
The meaning of 'Spannung' becomes clear from context. If it is about a film or a book, it means suspense or excitement. In a political context, it refers to conflicts. In a technical field, it means electrical voltage.
Der Film erzeugt von Anfang an eine große Spannung.
The film creates great suspense right from the beginning.
When referring to suspense or excitement, 'Spannung' is often combined with verbs like 'erzeugen' (to create), 'aufbauen' (to build up), or 'steigern' (to increase). You can also be 'voller Spannung' (full of suspense/excitement).
Die Musik im Film hat die Spannung noch weiter gesteigert.
The music in the film increased the suspense even more.
In the context of conflicts, people often speak of 'politischen' (political) or 'sozialen Spannungen' (social tensions). Common verbs here are 'zunehmen' (to increase), 'sich verschärfen' (to intensify), or the opposite, 'abbauen' (to reduce).
Diplomaten versuchen, die Spannungen zwischen den Staaten abzubauen.
Diplomats are trying to reduce the tensions between the countries.
The phrase 'unter Spannung stehen' can refer both to electricity (meaning m03) and to mechanical forces (meaning m04). The context makes clear what is meant: a cable or a rope.
Vorsicht, dieses Kabel steht unter Spannung!
Careful, this cable is live!
conflict
Both words can describe difficult relationships between countries or groups. „Die Spannung“ refers more to latent mistrust or a hostile atmosphere, while „der Konflikt“ usually means a clearly expressed confrontation. Use „Spannung“ when the opposition has not yet openly escalated and „Konflikt“ for an overt confrontation.
Zwischen den beiden Staaten herrscht seit Wochen große Spannung.
There has been considerable tension between the two countries for weeks.
Der Konflikt zwischen den beiden Staaten führte zu offenen Kämpfen.
The conflict between the two countries led to open fighting.
