stressen
to stress out
To put someone under pressure, cause them stress, or make them nervous.
EXAMPLE
Die ständigen Termine und die viele Arbeit stressen mich sehr.
The constant appointments and all the work really stress me out.
stressen
to stress out / annoy
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Meanings
sich stressen
to stress oneself out
To put oneself under pressure or worry unnecessarily.
EXAMPLE
Stresse dich nicht wegen der Prüfung, du bist gut vorbereitet.
Don't stress yourself out about the exam; you're well prepared.
stressen
to annoy
Colloquial for to annoy or bother.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte aufhören zu stressen? Ich versuche, mich zu konzentrieren.
Can you please stop annoying me? I'm trying to concentrate.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The verb 'stressen' (to stress out) is a relatively modern word in German and was derived directly from the English word 'stress'. It is very common in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns das Thema wechseln, das stresst mich nur.
Let's change the subject; it just stresses me out.
Transitive vs. reflexive
It is important to distinguish: 'jemanden stressen' (to stress someone out) means that an external thing or person causes stress. 'Sich stressen' (to stress oneself out) means that you put yourself under pressure.
EXAMPLE
Der Lärm von der Baustelle stresst die Anwohner.
The noise from the construction site stresses out the residents.
Register: colloquial
In the meaning of 'nerven' (to annoy) or 'stören' (to bother), 'stressen' (to annoy) is used mainly in informal colloquial speech. In formal contexts, you would use other verbs.
EXAMPLE
Stress hier nicht so rum, ich brauche meine Ruhe!
Stop being so annoying here; I need some peace and quiet!
Compare with
stressen vs nerven
to annoy
Nerven and stressen can both describe a negative effect on a person. Nerven mainly means that something persistently bothers or irritates someone, while stressen emphasizes pressure or mental strain. Nerven is suitable for irritating repetition; for tight deadlines or a heavy burden, stressen is more appropriate.
stressen
Die vielen Aufgaben mit derselben Frist stressen mich vor dem Abendessen.
The many tasks with the same deadline stress me out before dinner.
nerven
Die ständigen Nachrichten in der Gruppe nerven mich beim Abendessen.
The constant messages in the group annoy me during dinner.
In real life
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