restless / unsettled
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restless
Being nervous, inwardly agitated, or restless and unable to find calm, often because of worry or tension.
Vor dem wichtigen Vorstellungsgespräch war sie sehr unruhig und lief im Zimmer auf und ab.
Before the important job interview, she was very restless and paced back and forth in the room.
unsettled
Describing a time, place, or situation marked by instability, conflict, noise, or disturbances.
Nach dem Putsch war die politische Lage im Land sehr unruhig.
After the coup, the political situation in the country was very unsettled.
rough / restless
Describing a physical state that is not even or calm, for example light sleep or choppy water.
Wegen des Sturms war das Meer so unruhig, dass die Fähren im Hafen bleiben mussten.
Because of the storm, the sea was so rough that the ferries had to stay in the harbor.
The adjective is made up of the prefix 'un-' (not) and the adjective 'ruhig' (calm/quiet). So it literally means 'not calm' or 'without rest'.
Nach dem lauten Knall waren alle im Raum unruhig.
After the loud bang, everyone in the room was restless.
The exact meaning of 'unruhig' depends on the noun it describes. If it refers to a person, it means nervousness. If it describes a situation, it means instability. If it refers to an object or a state, it means movement.
Der Patient war die ganze Nacht unruhig.
The patient was restless all night.
When a person is 'unruhig' (restless), this is often expressed through typical actions. Common combinations are 'unruhig schlafen' (to sleep restlessly), 'unruhig auf und ab gehen' (to pace restlessly back and forth), or 'unruhig auf dem Stuhl hin und her rutschen' (to shift restlessly around on the chair).
Er schlief vor der Prüfung sehr unruhig.
He slept very restlessly before the exam.
In the meaning 'instabil' (unstable), 'unruhig' is often used to describe abstract concepts such as periods of time, a situation, or the political situation.
Die wirtschaftliche Lage bleibt weiterhin unruhig.
The economic situation remains unsettled.
nervous
Nervös and unruhig can both describe being unable to relax before an event. Nervös is especially associated with tension or tense anticipation. Unruhig emphasizes inner or visible restlessness more strongly, such as constantly moving around.
Vor der Prüfung ist Amir so unruhig, dass er ständig vom Stuhl aufsteht.
Amir is so restless before the exam that he keeps getting up from his chair.
Vor der Prüfung ist Amir nervös und zweifelt an seinen Antworten.
Amir is nervous before the exam and doubts his answers.
