Frame description

In this frame, an Experiencer has emotions, either concerning some Content or a Topic, or caused by a Stimulus. Emotion, here, refers to a broad range of subjective experiences or reactions, including states of mental stimulation, like being interested.

Examples:

1. Das Kind hat Angst vor dem Monster unter seinem Bett.1. The child has fear of the monster under its bed.
2. Frank beneidet andere um ihren Erfolg.2. Frank envies others for their success.
3. Klaus vermisste Texas, während er in Österreich war.3. Klaus missed Texas, while he was in Austria.
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In this frame, an Experiencer has emotions, either concerning some Content or a Topic, or caused by a Stimulus. Emotion, here, refers to a broad range of subjective experiences or reactions, including states of mental stimulation, like being interested.

Examples:

1. Das Kind hat Angst vor dem Monster unter seinem Bett.1. The child has fear of the monster under its bed.
2. Frank beneidet andere um ihren Erfolg.2. Frank envies others for their success.
3. Klaus vermisste Texas, während er in Österreich war.3. Klaus missed Texas, while he was in Austria.

Some lexical units in this frame are associated with a direct cause (a Stimulus) while others are not (in which case, they occur with Content, not with a Stimulus).  With most lexical units, a Topic can be substituted for Stimulus or Content, indicating a general area but leaving a range of possibilities.

 Stimulus Emotion with direct causationDu ärgerst mich!You irritate me!
 Content Emotion with no direct causationIch mag dich.I like you.
 Topic Emotion about a general topic*Ich beneide dich.I envy you.

*This leaves multiple options for a specific Content or  Stimulus.  Here, for example, there is no way to tell whether the speaker envies your hair, your salary or your car.

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Grammar Notes
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Frame Elements

Frame Element descriptions (on hover):

Experiencer

The person who experiences the emotion or other internal state.

Content

The Content is what the Experiencer has feelings about; it is what those feelings are directed towards or based upon.

Topic

The Topic is more general than the Content or Stimulus, and is the area the Experiencer has feelings about.

Stimulus

The phenomenon that provokes a particular emotion in the Experiencer.

Details
Examples
Grammar Notes
Sentence Templates
Alternate Forms
See All Information
Angst, die noun fear

Details:

fear

"Die Angst" is a very common way to refer to "fear" and "being afraid," an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. German speakers don't use adjectives like "afraid" or "scared" as often as English speakers. Below are some examples that show how German and English differ.

English phrase German phrase lit. English translation
I'm afraid.Ich habe Angst.I have fear.
I get scared.Ich bekomme Angst. I receive fear.
He scares me.Er macht mir Angst.He makes (for) me fear.

 To express the Stimulus, use "vor" (dat.); this is what the Experiencer is afraid "of." "Um" (akk.) can introduce the Topic, what the Experiencer is afraid "for."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Angstgefühl" ("anxiety"), "der Angstanfall",  "die Angstattacke" (both: "anxiety attack"), "der Angsthase" (lit. "fear bunny," "coward"), "ängstlich" ("anxious," "afraid"), "die Flugangst" ("fear of flying"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Befürchtung," "die Beklemmung," "die Furcht," "die Beklommenheit," "der Bammel (Bammel haben, coll.)," "Muffensausen (Muffensausen haben, coll.)," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Angst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Angst>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das Kind hat Angst vor dem Monster unter seinem Bett.
  2. Tobias hat grosse Angst vor Katzen.
  3. Die Familien waren in Angst um ihre Leben.
  4. Der Angeklagte hatte Angst um seine Familie und wollte nichts sagen.
  5. Keine Angst!
  6. Das Licht ging aus und wir bekamen grosse Angst.
  7. Der Unbekannte machte Lorenz Angst.
  8. Du machst mir Angst!
  9.  Hab keine Angst!
  10. Ich habe Angst vor großen Hunden.
  1. The child has fear of the monster under its bed.
  2. Tobias has a great fear of cats.
  3. The Families were in fear for their lives.
  4. The defendant had fear for his family and didn't want to say anything.
  5. No fear! [Don't be afraid]
  6. The light went out and we received great fear. [became very afraid]
  7. The stranger made Lorenz afraid.
  8. You are scaring me!
  9. Don't be afraid!
  10. I am afraid of big dogs.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat/bekommt Angst.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat Angst vor STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER hat Angst um TOPIC.
  4. STIMULUS macht EXPERIENCER Angst.
  1. EXPERIENCER has/gets fear.
  2. EXPERIENCER has fear of STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER has fear for TOPIC.
  4. STIMULUS makes (for) EXPERIENCER fear.
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Details:

fear

"Die Angst" is a very common way to refer to "fear" and "being afraid," an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. German speakers don't use adjectives like "afraid" or "scared" as often as English speakers. Below are some examples that show how German and English differ.

English phrase German phrase lit. English translation
I'm afraid.Ich habe Angst.I have fear.
I get scared.Ich bekomme Angst. I receive fear.
He scares me.Er macht mir Angst.He makes (for) me fear.

 To express the Stimulus, use "vor" (dat.); this is what the Experiencer is afraid "of." "Um" (akk.) can introduce the Topic, what the Experiencer is afraid "for."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Angstgefühl" ("anxiety"), "der Angstanfall",  "die Angstattacke" (both: "anxiety attack"), "der Angsthase" (lit. "fear bunny," "coward"), "ängstlich" ("anxious," "afraid"), "die Flugangst" ("fear of flying"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Befürchtung," "die Beklemmung," "die Furcht," "die Beklommenheit," "der Bammel (Bammel haben, coll.)," "Muffensausen (Muffensausen haben, coll.)," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Angst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Angst>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Ängste
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ärgern verb to irritate

Details:

to irritate

This verb is used like its English equivalent refering to situations when someone or something makes the Experiencer annoyed or angry. The Stimulus is the subject of the sentence, and can be a person or something else, like someone's behavior.

When used with a reflexive pronoun, this verb changes its meaning from "to irritate" to "to get/be irritated," "to be angry (about)." The subject is then the Experiencer, and the preposition "über" (akk.) introduces the Stimulus.

For example: "Ich ärgere mich über die Situation." ("I am irritated about the situation.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Ärgernis" ("nuisance," "annoyance")

Synonyms:

in the sense of "so. / sth. annoys Experiencer:" "reizen," "belästigen," "jemandem zusetzen," "hänseln," "necken," "plagen," "piesacken" (coll.), among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„ärgern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%A4rgern>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Mein Bruder ärgert mich.
  2. Es ärgert mich, dass mein Mitbewohner nie aufräumt.
  3. Ihr Singen ärgert mich so sehr!
  4. Ich ärgere mich über das Wetter.
  5. Stefan ärgert sich darüber, dass sein Zug spät kommt.
  6. Warum ärgerst du dich? - Ich ärgere mich, weil das Wetter schlecht ist. 
  7. Warum schimpfst du denn so laut? – Ich ärgere mich über mein Auto. 
  1. My brother irritates me.
  2. It irritates me that my roommate never cleans up.
  3. Her singing irritates me so much!
  4. I am getting irritated about the weather.
  5. Stefan gets irritated about it, that his train comes late.
  6. Why are you angry? - I am angry because the weather is bad.
  7. Why are you grumbling so loudly? - I am angry about my car.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS ärgert EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER ärgert sich.
  3. EXPERIENCER ärgert sich über STIMULUS.
  1. STIMULUS irritates EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER is irritated.
  3. EXPERIENCER is irritated about STIMULUS.
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Details:

to irritate

This verb is used like its English equivalent refering to situations when someone or something makes the Experiencer annoyed or angry. The Stimulus is the subject of the sentence, and can be a person or something else, like someone's behavior.

When used with a reflexive pronoun, this verb changes its meaning from "to irritate" to "to get/be irritated," "to be angry (about)." The subject is then the Experiencer, and the preposition "über" (akk.) introduces the Stimulus.

For example: "Ich ärgere mich über die Situation." ("I am irritated about the situation.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Ärgernis" ("nuisance," "annoyance")

Synonyms:

in the sense of "so. / sth. annoys Experiencer:" "reizen," "belästigen," "jemandem zusetzen," "hänseln," "necken," "plagen," "piesacken" (coll.), among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„ärgern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%A4rgern>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) ärgert, ärgerte, hat geärgert; sich ärgern (über) (to be irritated, angry (about))
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aufregen verb to upset

Details:

to upset

Sometimes translated as "to excite," this word has a more negative connotation, as in "to agitate." The Simulus appears as subject, and the Experiencer is the direct object.

The reflexive use of the verb "aufregen" can be translated as "to get worked up" or "to work oneself up." When used in this way, the Experiencer appears as the grammatical subject, and the Stimulus can be expressed with "über" (akk.).

For example: "Er regt sich über seinen Chef auf." ("He is getting upset about his boss.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Aufregung" ("excitement," "fuss," "commotion," "agitation"), "die Aufgeregtheit" ("excitement")

Synonyms:

"ärgern," "jemanden gegen etw./jmdn. aufbringen," "empören," "erzürnen," "verstimmen," "in Weißglut bringen" (coll.); "sich empören," "sich in etw. hineinsteigern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„aufregen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/aufregen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die laute Musik regt die Nachbarn auf.
  2. Das mögliche Alkoholverbot hat die Leute aufgeregt.
  3. Reg dich nicht so auf!
  4. Alina regt sich über die neuen Regeln auf.
  5. Es regt mich auf, dass ich schon wieder Überstunden machen muss.
  6. Ganz ruhig! Bitte regen Sie sich nicht auf.
  7. Heute hast du eine Prüfung. Bist du schon aufgeregt?
  1. The loud music upsets the neighbors.
  2. The possible alcohol ban upsets the people.
  3. Don't work yourself up so much!
  4. Alina works herself up about the new rules.
  5. I am upset that I have to work overtime again.
  6. Be quiet! Please don't be upset.
  7. Today you have an exam. Are you already nervous?
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Grammar:

Verbs with Separable Prefixes

Some verbs have a prefix that moves around in the sentence, depending on what form the verb takes. You can expect the prefix to appear at the end of the sentence or clause, but whether the verb appears there with it depends on the rest of the sentence (tense, presence of a modal verb, etc.). In the infinitive form, the prefix is attached, like "ausgehen" ("to go out"). If the verb is conjugated (in present or simple past tense), the prefix appears at the end of the clause, as in "Ich gehe heute Abend aus" ("I am going out tonight"). The chart below shows several structural variants for these kinds of verbs. For more information, see the examples for individual verbs in the G-FOL or read these explanations from Grimm Grammar: present tense, conversational past tense (Perfekt).

Die erste Stelle (first position)V2 (verb 2nd)Rest (the rest of the info)am Ende (at the end)
Am Samstagabendgeheich mit Freundenaus.
Ichgingam Samstagabend mit Freunden aus.
Mit Freundenbinich am Samstagabendausgegangen.
Wanngeheich mit Freundenaus?
Ichkannnicht am Samstagabend mit Freunden ausgehen.

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS regt EXPERIENCER auf.
  2. EXPERIENCER regt sich auf.
  3. EXPERIENCER regt sich über STIMULUS auf.
  1. STIMULUS upsets EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER works himself up.
  3. EXPERIENCER works himself up about STIMULUS.
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Details:

to upset

Sometimes translated as "to excite," this word has a more negative connotation, as in "to agitate." The Simulus appears as subject, and the Experiencer is the direct object.

The reflexive use of the verb "aufregen" can be translated as "to get worked up" or "to work oneself up." When used in this way, the Experiencer appears as the grammatical subject, and the Stimulus can be expressed with "über" (akk.).

For example: "Er regt sich über seinen Chef auf." ("He is getting upset about his boss.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Aufregung" ("excitement," "fuss," "commotion," "agitation"), "die Aufgeregtheit" ("excitement")

Synonyms:

"ärgern," "jemanden gegen etw./jmdn. aufbringen," "empören," "erzürnen," "verstimmen," "in Weißglut bringen" (coll.); "sich empören," "sich in etw. hineinsteigern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„aufregen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/aufregen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) regt auf, regte auf, hat aufgeregt; sich aufregen (über)
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aufregend adjective exciting, thrilling

Details:

exciting

"Aufregend" is the present participle of the verb "aufregen" ("to excite," "to upset," "to agitate") and is as an adjective used to characterize a Stimulus or Content, or Topic that excites, agitates or upsets the Experiencer. 

Further details:

Synonyms:

"dramatisch," "erregend," "spannend," "erlebnisreich," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„aufregen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/aufregen>, abgerufen am 23.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die letzte Woche war sehr aufregend.
  2. Der Film ist nicht besonders aufregend.
  3. Die Musikgruppe zu erleben war sehr aufregend.
  4. Die Kinder wollen eine aufregende Geschichte hören.
  5. Das war eine aufregende Zeit!
  1. The last week was very exciting.
  2. The movie is not very exciting.
  3. To experience the music band was very exciting.
  4. The children want to hear an exciting story.
  5. That was an exciting time!
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS ist aufregend.
  2. CONTENT ist aufregend.
  3. TOPIC ist aufregend.
  4. [aufregend- STIMULUS]
  5. [aufregend- CONTENT]
  6. [aufregend- TOPIC]
  1. STIMULUS is exciting, thrilling.
  2. CONTENT is exciting, thrilling.
  3. TOPIC is exciting, thrilling.
  4. [exciting, thrilling STIMULUS]
  5. [exciting, thrilling CONTENT]
  6. [exciting, thrilling TOPIC]
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Details:

exciting

"Aufregend" is the present participle of the verb "aufregen" ("to excite," "to upset," "to agitate") and is as an adjective used to characterize a Stimulus or Content, or Topic that excites, agitates or upsets the Experiencer. 

Further details:

Synonyms:

"dramatisch," "erregend," "spannend," "erlebnisreich," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„aufregen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/aufregen>, abgerufen am 23.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

aufregender, am aufregendsten
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beeindrucken verb to impress

Details:

to impress

"Beeindrucken" means that someone or something makes the Experiencer feel admiration and respect. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but can prove difficult to pronounce. Say each prefix separately: "be-ein-drucken."

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Eindruck" ("impression")

Synonyms:

"Eindruck machen," "(nachhaltig) auf jemanden wirken," "imponieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beeindrucken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beeindrucken>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Stella beeindruckt ihre Lehrer.
  2. Der Künstler beeindruckt sein Publikum.
  3. Die Aufführung hat mich tief beeindruckt.
  4. Der Roman hat meinen Vater nachhaltig beeindruckt.
  1. Stella impresses her teachers.
  2. The artist impresses his audience.
  3. The performance impressed me deeply.
  4. The novel strongly impressed my father.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS beeindruckt EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS impresses EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to impress

"Beeindrucken" means that someone or something makes the Experiencer feel admiration and respect. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but can prove difficult to pronounce. Say each prefix separately: "be-ein-drucken."

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Eindruck" ("impression")

Synonyms:

"Eindruck machen," "(nachhaltig) auf jemanden wirken," "imponieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beeindrucken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beeindrucken>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) beeindruckt, beeindruckte, hat beeindruckt
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begeistert adjective excited

Details:

excited

This is the best German translation of the English adjective "excited," used when an Experiencer is filled with feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness and is also used for "enthusiastic." The adjective describes the Experiencer, and the Stimulus (if present) is expressed using "von." This is known as a participial adjective because it comes from the past participle of the verb "begeistern" ("to excite," "to make enthusiastic").

It can also be used as an adverb meaning "excitedly" or "enthusiastically."

Further details:

Word formation:

"begeistern" ("to thrill so.," "to inspire so.," "to enthuse so.," to get into sth."), "naturbegeistert" ("nature enthusiastic"), "kunstbegeistert" ("art enthusiastic"), among others

Synonyms:

"enthusiastisch," "euphorisch," "hochgestimmt"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„begeistert“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/begeistert>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die Fans sind von der Weltmeisterschaft begeistert.
  2. Jens war begeistert an seinem Geburtstag.
  3. Der begeisterte Lehrer lief ins Klassenzimmer.
  4. Es war ein tolles Konzert. Ich bin begeistert.
  5. Es war ein tolles Konzert. Das Publikum war begeistert.
  1. The fans are excited about the World Cup.
  2. Jens was excited on his birthday.
  3. The excited teacher ran into the classroom.
  4. It was a great concert. I am excited.
  5. It was a great condert. The audience was excited.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist begeistert.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist von STIMULUS begeistert.
  3. [begeistert- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is excited.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist about STIMULUS excited.
  3. [excited EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

excited

This is the best German translation of the English adjective "excited," used when an Experiencer is filled with feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness and is also used for "enthusiastic." The adjective describes the Experiencer, and the Stimulus (if present) is expressed using "von." This is known as a participial adjective because it comes from the past participle of the verb "begeistern" ("to excite," "to make enthusiastic").

It can also be used as an adverb meaning "excitedly" or "enthusiastically."

Further details:

Word formation:

"begeistern" ("to thrill so.," "to inspire so.," "to enthuse so.," to get into sth."), "naturbegeistert" ("nature enthusiastic"), "kunstbegeistert" ("art enthusiastic"), among others

Synonyms:

"enthusiastisch," "euphorisch," "hochgestimmt"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„begeistert“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/begeistert>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

begeisterter, am begeistertsten
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beneiden (jdn. um etw.) verb to envy

Details:

to envy

The verb "beneiden" is used like its English equivalent in situations when an Experiencer has a discontented or resentful longing aroused by another's possessions, qualities, or luck. This verb typically takes the Topic as a direct object and Content as a prepositional phrase with "um." Although the Content often belongs to the Topic (the person who is envied), German speakers tend to avoid possessive pronouns or genitive in favor of expressing the Topic as the direct object.

It is also possible for the Content to appear as direct object, or for the Topic appear without the Content. In the latter case, the Topic is somewhat vague and indicates a range of possible Contents.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beneidenswert" ("enviable")

Synonym:

"neidisch sein / werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beneiden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beneiden>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich beneide dich nicht.
  2. Frank beneidet andere um ihren Erfolg.
  3. Ella beneidet Frauen, die volle Lippen haben.
  4. Der Schüler beneidet das Testergebnis seiner Klassenkameradin.
  1. I don't envy you.
  2. Frank envies others for their success.
  3. Ella envies women who have full lips.
  4. The student envies the test score of his classmate.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER beneidet TOPIC.
  2. EXPERIENCER beneidet TOPIC um CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER beneidet CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER envies TOPIC.
  2. EXPERIENCER envies TOPIC for CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER envies CONTENT.
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Details:

to envy

The verb "beneiden" is used like its English equivalent in situations when an Experiencer has a discontented or resentful longing aroused by another's possessions, qualities, or luck. This verb typically takes the Topic as a direct object and Content as a prepositional phrase with "um." Although the Content often belongs to the Topic (the person who is envied), German speakers tend to avoid possessive pronouns or genitive in favor of expressing the Topic as the direct object.

It is also possible for the Content to appear as direct object, or for the Topic appear without the Content. In the latter case, the Topic is somewhat vague and indicates a range of possible Contents.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beneidenswert" ("enviable")

Synonym:

"neidisch sein / werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beneiden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beneiden>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) beneidet (jdn. um etw.), beneidete (jdn. um etw.), hat (jdn. um etw.) beneidet
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bereuen verb to regret

Details:

to regret

"Bereuen" refers to situations where an Experiencer feels or expresses sorrow, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. This verb is used much like its English counterpart, except when it comes to whole phrases that fill the role of Content. In English, a gerund is used (an "ing"-form), as in "I regret  having so little free time." In German, a "zu"-construction (aka Infinitivsatz) is used: "Ich bereue, so wenig Freizeit zu haben." Basically, you just take the verb that would be the gerund in English, put it in infinitive form, and place it at the end of the sentence, preceded by "zu." For further details on "zu"-constructions, see this page from Grimm Grammar.

It is also possible to begin a clause with "dass" if you don't want to use a "zu"-construction.

Further details:

Synonym:

"Reue empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„bereuen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/bereuen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich bereue meine Faulheit im ersten Semester an der Uni.
  2. Viele Menschen bereuen, nicht viel Zeit mit der Familie verbringen zu können.
  3. Man soll nichts machen, was man später bereuen könnte.
  4. Herr Roth bereut, seinen Lottogewinn so schnell ausgegeben zu haben.
  5. Angelika bereut, dass sie nicht auf die Party gehen konnte.
  1. I regret my laziness in the first semester at the university.
  2. Many people regret not being able to spend a lot of time with their family.
  3. One should do nothing that one could later regret.
  4. Mister Roth regrets having spent his lottery winnings so fast.
  5. Angelika regrets that she couldn't go to the party.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER bereut CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER regrets CONTENT.
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Details:

to regret

"Bereuen" refers to situations where an Experiencer feels or expresses sorrow, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. This verb is used much like its English counterpart, except when it comes to whole phrases that fill the role of Content. In English, a gerund is used (an "ing"-form), as in "I regret  having so little free time." In German, a "zu"-construction (aka Infinitivsatz) is used: "Ich bereue, so wenig Freizeit zu haben." Basically, you just take the verb that would be the gerund in English, put it in infinitive form, and place it at the end of the sentence, preceded by "zu." For further details on "zu"-constructions, see this page from Grimm Grammar.

It is also possible to begin a clause with "dass" if you don't want to use a "zu"-construction.

Further details:

Synonym:

"Reue empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„bereuen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/bereuen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) bereut, bereute, hat bereut
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böse (auf jmdn. sein) adjective mad (at someone), angry

Details:

mad, angry (at someone)

In this frame, "böse" means "angry" or "mad" and that anger is typically directed at a person; in fact, the Stimulus is almost always a person or group of people. When mentioning the Stimulus in a sentence, there are a few different options: "auf" with accusative, "mit" (always with dative), or a dative object. See the sentence templates and examples.

Note that there is a different meaning when "böse" is used to describe a character trait: "mean" or "evil." These are significantly different meanings, but you should be able to tell which is intended based on the context. Look through the examples to see how the contexts differ.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"bitterböse auf jmdn. sein," "zornig, aufgebracht, erbost, empört sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„böse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/b%C3%B6se>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich bin dir böse.
  2. Ihr könnt nicht böse auf uns sein.
  3. Ich bin so böse auf die Regierung!
  4. Er hat mich gefragt, ob ich böse auf ihn bin, weil er nicht kommt.
  5. Kimmich machte plötzlich Fehler, böse aber war ihm niemand.
  6. Meine Mutter war danach sehr böse mit mir, weil ich erst um drei Uhr nach Hause gekommen bin.
  7. Aber dass Sie die Vietnamesen als Zigarettenhandler bezeichnen, als hätten sie Gewerbeschein und führten Gewerbesteuer ab, macht mich böse.
  8. Sie ist böse auf mich.
  1. I am mad at you.
  2. You all can't mad at us be.
  3. I am so mad at the government!
  4. He has me asked, if I am mad at him, because he's not coming.
  5. Kimmich made suddenly mistakes, but no one was mad at him.
  6. My mother was after that very angry with me, because I not until three o'clock home came.
  7. But that you characterize those Vietnamese as cigarette dealers, as thought they had trade licenses and paid taxes, makes me mad.
  8. She is angry with me.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist böse.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist böse auf STIMULUS.akkusativ.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist STIMULUS.dativ böse.
  4. EXPERIENCER ist böse mit STIMULUS.
  5. STIMULUS macht EXPERIENCER böse.
  1. EXPERIENCER is mad.
  2. EXPERIENCER is mad at STIMULUS.accusative.
  3. EXPERIENCER is STIMULUS.dative mad.
  4. EXPERIENCER is angry with STIMULUS.
  5. STIMULUS makes EXPERIENCER mad.
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Details:

mad, angry (at someone)

In this frame, "böse" means "angry" or "mad" and that anger is typically directed at a person; in fact, the Stimulus is almost always a person or group of people. When mentioning the Stimulus in a sentence, there are a few different options: "auf" with accusative, "mit" (always with dative), or a dative object. See the sentence templates and examples.

Note that there is a different meaning when "böse" is used to describe a character trait: "mean" or "evil." These are significantly different meanings, but you should be able to tell which is intended based on the context. Look through the examples to see how the contexts differ.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"bitterböse auf jmdn. sein," "zornig, aufgebracht, erbost, empört sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„böse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/b%C3%B6se>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

böser, am bösesten
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depressiv adjective depressed

Details:

depressed

Used as in English, this adjective describes people (Experiencers) or their moods as sad and low in spirits.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Depression" ("depression"), "die Depressivität"

Synonyms:

"niedergeschlagen," "gedrückt," "verstimmt," "freudlos," "gemütskrank"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„depressiv“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/depressiv>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Manche Mütter werden depressiv nach der Geburt des Kindes.
  2. Im ersten Jahr seines Studiums war Fabio schwer depressiv.
  3. Er ist ein depressiv veranlagter Mensch.
  4. Die Bilder stimmen die Besucher depressiv.
  5. Die depressiven Verstimmungen unter Schülern häufen sich.
  1. Some mothers become depressed after the birth of the child.
  2. In his first year of his study, Fabio was severely depressed.
  3. He is a depressed dispositional person. [He is a persion with a depressive disposition.]
  4. The pictures make the visitors depressed.
  5. The depressive mood among pupils increase.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

TOP OF PAGE | COLLAPSE ALL

Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist depressiv.
  2. [depressiv- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is depressed.
  2. [depressed EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

depressed

Used as in English, this adjective describes people (Experiencers) or their moods as sad and low in spirits.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Depression" ("depression"), "die Depressivität"

Synonyms:

"niedergeschlagen," "gedrückt," "verstimmt," "freudlos," "gemütskrank"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„depressiv“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/depressiv>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

depressiver, am depressivsten
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egal: jdm. egal sein multi-word expression to be all the same

Details:

to be all the same (to someone)

"Es ist mir egal" literally means "it is equal to me" but is best translated as "I don't care." Use this expression with a different Experiencer by changing the dative "mir." If no dative object is included, e.g. "es ist egal," then the meaning is general: "it doesn't matter."

The subject of the sentence is the Content. When used with "es" ("it") as the subject, you can elaborate on the Content by adding a dependent clause that typically begins with a question word or a preposition, as in examples 2 and 4.

Further details:

Word formation:

"piepegal," "schnurzegal," "schnurzpiepegal," "scheißegal" (all four: "so. doesn't give a damn")

Synonyms:

"gleich," "gleichgültig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„egal“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/egal#1>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das ist mir egal.
  2. Es war ihnen egal, ob die Reise etwas länger war.
  3. Das weiß Patrick, aber es ist ihm egal.
  4. Es ist mir letztlich auch egal, aus welchen Quellen sich das gespeist hat.
  5. Willst du Tee oder Kaffee trinken? – Egal.
  1. It is all the same to me. (I don't care; It doesn't matter to me)
  2. It didn't matter to them, if the trip was a bit longer.
  3. Patrick knows that, but he doesn't care.
  4. I don't care what sources it was supplied from.
  5. Would you like to drink tea or coffee? - I don't care.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. CONTENT ist EXPERIENCER.dative egal.
  2. Es ist EXPERIENCER.dative egal, CONTENT.
  1. CONTENT is to EXPERIENCER all the same.
  2. It is all the same to EXPERIENCER, CONTENT.
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Details:

to be all the same (to someone)

"Es ist mir egal" literally means "it is equal to me" but is best translated as "I don't care." Use this expression with a different Experiencer by changing the dative "mir." If no dative object is included, e.g. "es ist egal," then the meaning is general: "it doesn't matter."

The subject of the sentence is the Content. When used with "es" ("it") as the subject, you can elaborate on the Content by adding a dependent clause that typically begins with a question word or a preposition, as in examples 2 and 4.

Further details:

Word formation:

"piepegal," "schnurzegal," "schnurzpiepegal," "scheißegal" (all four: "so. doesn't give a damn")

Synonyms:

"gleich," "gleichgültig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„egal“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/egal#1>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er/es) ist jdm. egal, war jdm. egal, ist jdm. egal gewesen
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eifersüchtig adjective jealous

Details:

jealous

An Experiencer is "eifersüchtig" when they are feeling or showing suspicion of a partner's unfaithfulness, or if they envy someone's success, etc. It is used like its English equivalent. The Content  /  Topic is expressed in a phrase with "auf" (akk.). 

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Eifersucht" ("jealousy")

Synonym:

"neidisch"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„eifersüchtig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/eifers%C3%BCchtig>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Du darfst nicht eifersüchtig sein.
  2. Leonies Freunde sind eifersüchtig auf ihren Erfolg.
  3. Selina beruhigt ihren eifersüchtigen Freund.
  4. Die Schauspielerin war etwas eifersüchtig auf ihre eigenen Töchter.
  5. Eifersüchtiges Überwachen ist nicht gesund in einer Liebesbeziehung.
  1. You should not be jealous.
  2. Leonie's friends are jealous of her success.
  3. Selina reassures her jealous boyfriend.
  4. The actress was somewhat jealous of her own daughters.
  5. Jealous surveillance is not healthy in a love relationship.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist eifersüchtig.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist eifersüchtig auf CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist eifersüchtig auf TOPIC.
  4. [eifersüchtig- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is jealous.
  2. EXPERIENCER is jealous of CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER is jealous of TOPIC.
  4. [jealous EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

jealous

An Experiencer is "eifersüchtig" when they are feeling or showing suspicion of a partner's unfaithfulness, or if they envy someone's success, etc. It is used like its English equivalent. The Content  /  Topic is expressed in a phrase with "auf" (akk.). 

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Eifersucht" ("jealousy")

Synonym:

"neidisch"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„eifersüchtig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/eifers%C3%BCchtig>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

eifersüchtiger, am eifersüchtigsten
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einschüchtern verb to intimidate

Details:

to intimidate

This verb is used like the English equivalent in situations when someone or something frightens or overawes the Experiencer. It often occurs with "lassen" ("to let") and a reflexive pronoun, forming phrases like "Ich lasse mich nicht einschüchtern" ("I do not let myself be intimidated"). For more information about how to use this construction, see the last section on this page in Grimm Grammar.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Einschüchterung" ("intimidation")

Synonyms:

"jemanden in Angst versetzen," "ängstigen," "verängstigen," "beängstigen," "abschrecken," "verschrecken," "demoralisieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„einschüchtern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/einsch%C3%BCchtern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Er will uns nur einschüchtern.
  2. Die Regierung schüchtert Journalisten ein.
  3. Der Innenminister appelliert an die Bürger, sich nicht einschüchtern zu lassen.
  4. Menschen, die andere einschüchtern oder bedrohen, gehören nicht an diese Universität. 
  1. He only wants to intimidate us.
  2. The government intimidates Journalists.
  3. The minister of the interior calls on the citizens, not to let themselves be intimidated.
  4. People who others intimidate or threaten, don't belong at this university.
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Grammar:

Verbs with Separable Prefixes

Some verbs have a prefix that moves around in the sentence, depending on what form the verb takes. You can expect the prefix to appear at the end of the sentence or clause, but whether the verb appears there with it depends on the rest of the sentence (tense, presence of a modal verb, etc.). In the infinitive form, the prefix is attached, like "ausgehen" ("to go out"). If the verb is conjugated (in present or simple past tense), the prefix appears at the end of the clause, as in "Ich gehe heute Abend aus" ("I am going out tonight"). The chart below shows several structural variants for these kinds of verbs. For more information, see the examples for individual verbs in the G-FOL or read these explanations from Grimm Grammar: present tense, conversational past tense (Perfekt).

Die erste Stelle (first position)V2 (verb 2nd)Rest (the rest of the info)am Ende (at the end)
Am Samstagabendgeheich mit Freundenaus.
Ichgingam Samstagabend mit Freunden aus.
Mit Freundenbinich am Samstagabendausgegangen.
Wanngeheich mit Freundenaus?
Ichkannnicht am Samstagabend mit Freunden ausgehen.

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS schüchtert EXPERIENCER ein.
  1. STIMULUS intimidates EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to intimidate

This verb is used like the English equivalent in situations when someone or something frightens or overawes the Experiencer. It often occurs with "lassen" ("to let") and a reflexive pronoun, forming phrases like "Ich lasse mich nicht einschüchtern" ("I do not let myself be intimidated"). For more information about how to use this construction, see the last section on this page in Grimm Grammar.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Einschüchterung" ("intimidation")

Synonyms:

"jemanden in Angst versetzen," "ängstigen," "verängstigen," "beängstigen," "abschrecken," "verschrecken," "demoralisieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„einschüchtern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/einsch%C3%BCchtern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) schüchtert ein, schüchterte ein, hat eingeschüchtert
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entsetzt adjective horrified

Details:

horrified

Used like its English counterpart in situations when an Experiencer is shocked or dismayed.

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„entsetzen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entsetzen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die Demonstranten sind entsetzt über das Ausmaß an Gewalt gegen Frauen und Kinder.
  2. Als mir das mitgeteilt wurde, war ich entsetzt und schockiert.
  1. The demonstraters are horrified about the extent of violence against women and children.
  2. When I was informed about that, I was horrified and shocked.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist/wird entsetzt.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist entsetzt über STIMULUS.
  3. [entsetzt- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is/becomes horrified.
  2. EXPERIENCER is horrified about STIMULUS.
  3. [horrified EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

horrified

Used like its English counterpart in situations when an Experiencer is shocked or dismayed.

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„entsetzen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entsetzen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

entsetzter, am entsetztesten
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enttäuschen verb to disappoint

Details:

to disappoint

Used just like English "to disappoint" to say that someone or something fails to fulfil the hopes or expectations of an Experiencer. The Stimulus is the subject of "enttäuschen" and the Experiencer is the direct object (accusative), e.g. "Das Buch hat mich enttäuscht." ("The book disappointed me.").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Enttäuschung" ("disappointment"), "enttäuschend" ("disappointing")

Synonyms:

"deprimieren," "desillusionieren," "entmutigen," "frustrieren"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das Match enttäuschte die Fans.
  2. Anton enttäuscht seine Mutter, indem er schlechte Noten bekommt.
  3. Leider hat mich sein Verhalten enttäuscht.
  4. Wir waren von dem Konzert sehr enttäuscht.
  5. Das Ergebnis war enttäuschend.
  1. The match disappointed the fans.
  2. Anton disappoints his mother, in that he gets bad grades.
  3. Unfortunately has his behaviour disappointed me.
  4. We were very disappointed by the concert.
  5. The result was disappointing.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS enttäuscht EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS disappoints EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to disappoint

Used just like English "to disappoint" to say that someone or something fails to fulfil the hopes or expectations of an Experiencer. The Stimulus is the subject of "enttäuschen" and the Experiencer is the direct object (accusative), e.g. "Das Buch hat mich enttäuscht." ("The book disappointed me.").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Enttäuschung" ("disappointment"), "enttäuschend" ("disappointing")

Synonyms:

"deprimieren," "desillusionieren," "entmutigen," "frustrieren"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) enttäuscht, enttäuschte, hat enttäuscht
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enttäuschend adjective disappointing, underwhelming, unfruitful

Details:

disappointing, underwhelmning, unfruitful

"Enttäuschend" is the present participle of the verb "enttäuschen" ("to disappoint"). German speakers use it to refer to a Stimulus, Content or Topic for which an Experiencer had positive expectations that were not met. It is used as its English equivalents. 

Further details:

Synonyms:

"frustrierend," "deprimierend," "ernüchternd"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 24.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das Ergebnis war enttäuschend.
  2. Die Begegnung mit Frau Dornepp war enttäuschend.
  3. Familie Wildnitz fand das Ferienhaus enttäuschend.
  4. Es ist sehr enttäuschend für uns, dass er nicht gekommen ist.
  5. Ich finde, das war ein enttäuschendes Buch.
  6. Unehrlichkeit ist ein enttäschender Charakterzug. 
  1. The result was disappointing.
  2. The meeting with Ms. Dornepp was disappointing.
  3. Family Wildnitz found the vacation home disappointing.
  4. It is very disappointing for us that he didn't come.
  5. I think this was a disappointing book.
  6. Dishonesty is a disappointing character trait.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS ist enttäuschend.
  2. CONTENT ist enttäuschend.
  3. TOPIC ist enttäuschend.
  4. [enttäuschend- STIMULUS]
  5. [enttäuschend- CONTENT]
  6. [enttäuschend- TOPIC]
  1. STIMULUS is disappointing.
  2. CONTENT is disappointing.
  3. TOPIC is disappointing.
  4. [disappointing STIMULUS]
  5. [disappointing CONTENT]
  6. [disappointing TOPIC]
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Details:

disappointing, underwhelmning, unfruitful

"Enttäuschend" is the present participle of the verb "enttäuschen" ("to disappoint"). German speakers use it to refer to a Stimulus, Content or Topic for which an Experiencer had positive expectations that were not met. It is used as its English equivalents. 

Further details:

Synonyms:

"frustrierend," "deprimierend," "ernüchternd"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 24.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

enttäuschender, am enttäuschendsten
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Enttäuschung, die noun disappointment, frustration

Details:

disappointment, frustration

Like in English, "die Enttäuschung" refers to a not fulfilled expection  and / or a destroyed hope of an Experiencer. It is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation:

"enttäuschungsreich" (lit. "disappointment-rich," "disappointing")

Synonyms:

"die Desillusion," "der Frust," "die Frustration," "die Ernüchterung," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Enttäuschung“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Entt%C3%A4uschung>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Jedes Kind erlebt Enttäuschungen und Verletzungen.
  2. Das Endspiel war eine große Enttäuschung.
  3. Leon konnte die Enttäuschung über die Niederlage nicht verbergen.
  4. Die Enttäuschung über die ablehnende Haltung der Ärzte ist groß.
  1. Every child experiences disappointments and hurt.
  2. The endgame was a huge disappointment.
  3. Leon couldn't hide the disappointment about the defeat.
  4. The disappointment about the dismissive attitude of the doctors is great.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER erlebt eine Enttäuschung.
  2. [Enttäuschung über STIMULUS / CONTENT / TOPIC]
  1. EXPERIENCER experiences a disappointment.
  2. [disappointment about STIMULUS / CONTENT / TOPIC]
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Details:

disappointment, frustration

Like in English, "die Enttäuschung" refers to a not fulfilled expection  and / or a destroyed hope of an Experiencer. It is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation:

"enttäuschungsreich" (lit. "disappointment-rich," "disappointing")

Synonyms:

"die Desillusion," "der Frust," "die Frustration," "die Ernüchterung," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Enttäuschung“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Entt%C3%A4uschung>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Enttäuschungen
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Freude, die noun pleasure

Details:

pleasure, joy

Used much like its English counterparts, this noun indicates enjoyment of some Content, expressed with "an" (dat.). The phrase "Freude haben an" is similar to English "to take pleasure in."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Freudenfest" ("celebration," "whopee"), "das Freudenfeuer" ("bonfire"), "der Freudentanz" ("jig"), "der Freudensprung" ("leap of joy"), "die Freudenträne" ("tear of joy"), "freudetrunken" ("drunk with happiness"), "die Arbeitsfreude" ("joy of work"), among others

Synonyms:

"das Vergnügen," "das Wohlgefallen," "die Euphorie," "die Hochstimmung," "der Jubel," "die Begeisterung," among others

Idioms:

- "Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen" (lit. "peace, joy, pancakes") is said by German speaker to indicate that a situation is superficially harmonious and happy,  but often with an implication that problems are being ignored or glossed over, e.g. "Der Horror-Thriller vom Grusel-Meister Steven King begleitet all jene durch die Weihnachtstage, denen nicht nach Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen zumute ist." ("The horror movie by the master of scary stories accompanies all those through the days of Christmas who don't long for sunshine and roses.")

- "Wiedersehen macht Freude" (lit. "reunion brings joy"): German speakers use this phrase to say quite literally that someone enjoys to meet or see someone / something again, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude' hieß das Motto beim Klassentreffen in der Ludwig-Erhard-Wirtschaftsschule am letzten Samstag." ("'It's good to meet again' was the slogan at the reunion of the Ludwig Erhard economic school last Saturday."). More common, however, is the usage as the euphemistic request to return a borrowed item to the owner, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude', sagt die Sekretärin, wenn ich mir ihre Schere ausleihe." ("'Please bring them back,' says the secretary when I borrow her scissors.").

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Freude“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Freude>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Freude an der Arbeit ist wichtig für eine hohe Lebensqualität.
  2. Timo hat Freude am Kochen.
  3. Wie findet man wieder Freude am Leben?
  4. Es ist immer eine Freude, mit Konstantin zu reden.
  5. Paulas Vater weckte ihre Freude am Lesen.
  6. Man kann leicht sehen, er macht Musik mit viel Freude.
  7. Die Freude an wissenschaftlicher Arbeit spielt keine Rolle in der Diskussion um Sinn und Unsinn des Promovierens.
  8. Diese Arbeit macht mir viel Freude.
  9. Meine Eltern wollten uns mit dieser Reise eine ganz besondere Freude machen.
  1. Pleasure in your work is important for a high quality of life.
  2. Timo takes pleasure in cooking.
  3. How does one find pleasure in life again?
  4. It is always a pleasure to talk to Konstantin.
  5. Paula's father awoke her pleasure for reading.
  6. One can easily see, he makes music with much pleasure.
  7. The pleasure in scientific work plays no role in the discussion of whether it makes sense to get a doctorate degree.
  8. This work is a joy for me.
  9. My parents wanted to treat us with this journey.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Freude.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat Freude an CONTENT.
  3. CONTENT ist eine Freude.
  4. EXPERIENCER macht etwas mit Freude.
  1. EXPERIENCER has pleasure.
  2. EXPERIENCER has pleasure in CONTENT.
  3. CONTENT is a pleasure.
  4. EXPERIENCER does something with pleasure.
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Details:

pleasure, joy

Used much like its English counterparts, this noun indicates enjoyment of some Content, expressed with "an" (dat.). The phrase "Freude haben an" is similar to English "to take pleasure in."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Freudenfest" ("celebration," "whopee"), "das Freudenfeuer" ("bonfire"), "der Freudentanz" ("jig"), "der Freudensprung" ("leap of joy"), "die Freudenträne" ("tear of joy"), "freudetrunken" ("drunk with happiness"), "die Arbeitsfreude" ("joy of work"), among others

Synonyms:

"das Vergnügen," "das Wohlgefallen," "die Euphorie," "die Hochstimmung," "der Jubel," "die Begeisterung," among others

Idioms:

- "Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen" (lit. "peace, joy, pancakes") is said by German speaker to indicate that a situation is superficially harmonious and happy,  but often with an implication that problems are being ignored or glossed over, e.g. "Der Horror-Thriller vom Grusel-Meister Steven King begleitet all jene durch die Weihnachtstage, denen nicht nach Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen zumute ist." ("The horror movie by the master of scary stories accompanies all those through the days of Christmas who don't long for sunshine and roses.")

- "Wiedersehen macht Freude" (lit. "reunion brings joy"): German speakers use this phrase to say quite literally that someone enjoys to meet or see someone / something again, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude' hieß das Motto beim Klassentreffen in der Ludwig-Erhard-Wirtschaftsschule am letzten Samstag." ("'It's good to meet again' was the slogan at the reunion of the Ludwig Erhard economic school last Saturday."). More common, however, is the usage as the euphemistic request to return a borrowed item to the owner, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude', sagt die Sekretärin, wenn ich mir ihre Schere ausleihe." ("'Please bring them back,' says the secretary when I borrow her scissors.").

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Freude“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Freude>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Freuden
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froh adjective happy

Details:

happy, glad

Although "glücklich" is used about as often as "froh" to describe a feeling of pleasure or contentment, this adjective is more common when it comes to holiday wishes:

GermanEnglish
Frohes neues Jahr!Happy New Year!
Frohe Weihnachten!Happy Christmas!
Frohe Ostern!Happy Easter!

Use "über" (akk.) to introduce what you are happy "about" (the Stimulus), e.g. "Frau Schmidt ist froh über die Hilfe." ("Mrs. Schmidt is glad about the help."). In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, "um" (akk.) might be used, e.g. "Der Chef ist froh um die Unterstützung der Mitarbeiter." ("The boss is glad about the support of the colleagues."). The Stimulus can also appear in a clause with "dass" or a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz), e.g. "Melanie ist froh, dass sie den Schlüssel gefunden hat." ("Melanie is glad that she found the key."), "Melanie ist froh, den Schlüssel gefunden zu haben." ("Melanie is glad to have found the key.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Frohsinn" ("cheerfulness"), "die Frohnatur" ("cheerful nature," "cheerful person"), "frohgemut" ("in good spirits"), "frohlocken" ("to exult," "to rejoice"), "farbenfroh" ("colorful"), "heilfroh" ("really, very glad"), "lebensfroh" ("full of joie de vivre"), among others

Synonyms:

"glücklich," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„froh“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/froh>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 
This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.
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Example Sentences:

  1. Meine Verwandten sind frohe Menschen.
  2. Ich bin froh, dass es endlich Sommer ist.
  3. Manuel ist ein bisschen nervös, aber doch froh über den Termin.
  4. Pascal war froh, endlich wieder zu Hause zu sein.
  5. Ich bin froh, dass du kommen kannst. 
  1. My relatives are happy people.
  2. I am happy that it is finally summer.
  3. Manuel is a little nervous, but indeed happy about the appointment.
  4. Pascal was happy, finally again at home to be.
  5. I am happy that you can come.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist froh.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist froh über STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER is happy.
  2. EXPERIENCER is happy about STIMULUS.
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Details:

happy, glad

Although "glücklich" is used about as often as "froh" to describe a feeling of pleasure or contentment, this adjective is more common when it comes to holiday wishes:

GermanEnglish
Frohes neues Jahr!Happy New Year!
Frohe Weihnachten!Happy Christmas!
Frohe Ostern!Happy Easter!

Use "über" (akk.) to introduce what you are happy "about" (the Stimulus), e.g. "Frau Schmidt ist froh über die Hilfe." ("Mrs. Schmidt is glad about the help."). In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, "um" (akk.) might be used, e.g. "Der Chef ist froh um die Unterstützung der Mitarbeiter." ("The boss is glad about the support of the colleagues."). The Stimulus can also appear in a clause with "dass" or a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz), e.g. "Melanie ist froh, dass sie den Schlüssel gefunden hat." ("Melanie is glad that she found the key."), "Melanie ist froh, den Schlüssel gefunden zu haben." ("Melanie is glad to have found the key.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Frohsinn" ("cheerfulness"), "die Frohnatur" ("cheerful nature," "cheerful person"), "frohgemut" ("in good spirits"), "frohlocken" ("to exult," "to rejoice"), "farbenfroh" ("colorful"), "heilfroh" ("really, very glad"), "lebensfroh" ("full of joie de vivre"), among others

Synonyms:

"glücklich," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„froh“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/froh>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 
This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.
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Alternate Forms:

froher, am froh(e)sten
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fürchten verb to fear

Details:

to fear, to be afraid of

The verb "fürchten" is used as its English equivalents when an Experiencer is afraid of something or someone, when they feel anxiety. It is sometimes translated as "to dread." See also "die Angst" ("fear").

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Furcht / Angst vor jmdm. / etwas haben"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„fürchten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/f%C3%BCrchten>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Der Zeuge fürchtet um sein Leben.
  2. Melina fürchtete, ihren Pass zu verlieren.
  3. Die Eltern fürchten um ihr Geld.
  4. Die Veranstalter fürchten eine Verwässerung der Standards.
  5. Sie braucht sich nicht mehr vor dem Sterben zu fürchten.
  6. Sie fürchtet sich vor Schlangen.
  1. The witness fears for his life.
  2. Melina fears losing her passport.
  3. The parents fear for their money.
  4. The organizers fear a watering-down of the standards.
  5. She needs no more to fear death.
  6. She is afraid of snakes.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER fürchtet STIMULUS.
  2. EXPERIENCER fürchtet um TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER fürchtet sich vor STIMULUS.dative.
  1. EXPERIENCER fears STIMULUS.
  2. EXPERIENCER fears for TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER fears STIMULUS.
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Details:

to fear, to be afraid of

The verb "fürchten" is used as its English equivalents when an Experiencer is afraid of something or someone, when they feel anxiety. It is sometimes translated as "to dread." See also "die Angst" ("fear").

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Furcht / Angst vor jmdm. / etwas haben"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„fürchten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/f%C3%BCrchten>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) fürchtet, fürchtete, hat gefürchtet
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gefallen (dat.) verb to like, to please

Details:

to like

This verb conveys the same meaning as English "to like," but in a seemingly backward way - the thing that is liked takes the subject role in the sentence! It is even considered a Stimulus. The dative case is used for the Experiencer. So, if I like a book, I would say "Das Buch gefällt mir." It may help to think of the English verb "please," as in "The book pleases me." If the Topic is expressed in the sentence, (i.e. what someone likes "about" something), that Topic is then the subject with the Stimulus expressed using "an," e.g. "Der Humor gefällt mir an dem Buch." ("I like the humor of the book.").

"Gefallen" is a so-called dative verb because it does not take an accusative object.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Gefallsucht" ("craving for admiration"), "gefallsüchtig" ("coquettish"), "gefällig" ("agreeable," "pleasing")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gefallen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gefallen#1>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die neuen Schuhe gefallen ihr.
  2. Dieser Film gefällt mir sehr gut.
  3. Was gefällt euch an der Universität von Texas?
  4. Mir gefällt er gar nicht!
  5. Die Farbe gefällt mir an diesem Sofa am besten.
  6. Gefallen dir die Blumen?
  7. Das gefällt mir.
  1. The new shoes please her.
  2. This movie pleases me very well.
  3. What pleases you about the University of Texas?
  4. I don't like him at all!
  5. The color I like best about this sofa.
  6. Do you like the flowers?
  7. That doesn't please me.
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Grammar:

Dative Verbs

Some German verbs use the dative case with their objects, instead of accusative (e.g. "helfen," "danken," "gefallen," "gehören," "schmecken," "passen"). Sometimes these dative objects are expressed with "to" phrases in English (e.g. "Es gehört mir." - "It belongs to me."). People often fill this syntactic role, so it will come in handy to review the personal pronouns in dative.

Personal Pronouns in Dative
 Sing.Pl.
1st pers.miruns
2nd pers.direuch

3rd pers. masc.

fem.

neut.

ihm

ihr

ihm

ihnen
Formal 2nd pers.Ihnen
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS gefällt EXPERIENCER.dative.
  2. TOPIC gefällt EXPERIENCER.dative an STIMULUS.dative.
  1. STIMULUS pleases EXPERIENCER.
  2. TOPIC pleases EXPERIENCER about STIMULUS.
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Details:

to like

This verb conveys the same meaning as English "to like," but in a seemingly backward way - the thing that is liked takes the subject role in the sentence! It is even considered a Stimulus. The dative case is used for the Experiencer. So, if I like a book, I would say "Das Buch gefällt mir." It may help to think of the English verb "please," as in "The book pleases me." If the Topic is expressed in the sentence, (i.e. what someone likes "about" something), that Topic is then the subject with the Stimulus expressed using "an," e.g. "Der Humor gefällt mir an dem Buch." ("I like the humor of the book.").

"Gefallen" is a so-called dative verb because it does not take an accusative object.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Gefallsucht" ("craving for admiration"), "gefallsüchtig" ("coquettish"), "gefällig" ("agreeable," "pleasing")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gefallen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gefallen#1>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) gefällt, gefiel, hat gefallen
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genießen verb to enjoy, to relish

Details:

to enjoy, to relish

German speaker use the verb "genießen" when they describe that an Experiencer gets pleasure from a Stimulus and is therefore savoring it / the situation. It is used like its English counterpart. Beware of its irregular past tense forms.

Further details:

Word formation:

"genießbar" ("palatable," "enjoyable"), "genießerisch" ("appreciative," "pleasurably"), "der Genießer / die Genießerin" ("connoisseur," "epicure")

Synonyms:

"auskosten," "sich erfreuen an"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„genießen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/genie%C3%9Fen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Moritz genießt das Konzert.
  2. Alina und Fabian genossen ihren Urlaub in Spanien.
  3. Er kann das Essen leider nicht genießen, weil es zu scharf ist.
  4. Bei gutem Wetter genießen die Wanderer hier eine schöne Aussicht.
  5. Paul genießt die Sonne.
  1. Moritz enjoys the concert.
  2. Alina and Fabian enjoyed their vacation in Spain.
  3. He couldn't enjoy the food unfortunately because it was to spicy.
  4. In good weather enjoy the hikers here a beautiful view.
  5. Paul enjoys the sun.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER genießt STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER enjoys STIMULUS.
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Details:

to enjoy, to relish

German speaker use the verb "genießen" when they describe that an Experiencer gets pleasure from a Stimulus and is therefore savoring it / the situation. It is used like its English counterpart. Beware of its irregular past tense forms.

Further details:

Word formation:

"genießbar" ("palatable," "enjoyable"), "genießerisch" ("appreciative," "pleasurably"), "der Genießer / die Genießerin" ("connoisseur," "epicure")

Synonyms:

"auskosten," "sich erfreuen an"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„genießen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/genie%C3%9Fen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) genießt, genoss, hat genossen
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gern adverb gladly

Details:

gladly

This adverb is used along with a verb to indicate that its subject likes the activity. It usually translates to "Experiencer likes to do something (Content)." Sometimes, German speakers use the alternative form "gerne."

Further details:

Word formation:

"ungern" ("reluctantly," "grudgingly," "unwillingly"), "der Gernegroß" ("boastful and self-important person," "show-off," "cockalorum")

Synonyms:

"freudig," "bereitwillig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Jens und Kent schwimmen gern.
  2. Michelle spielt gern Computerspiele.
  3. Frank isst gern Wurst und Kartoffelsalat.
  4. Ich gehe gern ins Kino.
  5. Was machst du gern in deiner Freizeit?
  6. Ich fliege nicht gern. Deshalb fahre ich mit dem Zug.
  7. Spielt ihr gerne Fußball? 
  1. Jens and Kent swim gladly.
  2. Michelle plays gladly computer games.
  3. Frank eats gladly sausage and potato salad.
  4. I go gladly to the movies.
  5. What do you do gladly in your free time?
  6. I don't like to fly. Therefore I go by train.
  7. Do you like to play soccer?
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER verb-t gern.
  1. EXPERIENCER verb-s gladly.
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Details:

gladly

This adverb is used along with a verb to indicate that its subject likes the activity. It usually translates to "Experiencer likes to do something (Content)." Sometimes, German speakers use the alternative form "gerne."

Further details:

Word formation:

"ungern" ("reluctantly," "grudgingly," "unwillingly"), "der Gernegroß" ("boastful and self-important person," "show-off," "cockalorum")

Synonyms:

"freudig," "bereitwillig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

lieber, am liebsten; gerne
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gern haben multi-word expression to like

Details:

to like, lit. "to have gladly"

This is one of a number of ways to say that you like something or someone in German (see also "gefallen" and "mögen"). It is used with nouns only (to say that you like doing something, you leave out "haben" and use "gern" with that verb; see the entry for "gern" in this frame).

A more intense variation on this expression is "etwas / jemanden zum Fressen gern haben," which means something like "to love something / someone to pieces." If you've looked at the Eating and Drinking frame, you know that "fressen" is used for animals eating; the expression makes more sense if you imagine a mother telling her child "I want to eat you all up!" 

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "gern" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Er hat mich gern.
  2. Gerhard hatte den Hund recht gern.
  3. Ich habe ihn zum Fressen gern!
  1. He likes me.
  2. Gerhard really liked the dog.
  3. I love him to pieces!
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat CONTENT gern.
  1. EXPERIENCER likes CONTENT.
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Details:

to like, lit. "to have gladly"

This is one of a number of ways to say that you like something or someone in German (see also "gefallen" and "mögen"). It is used with nouns only (to say that you like doing something, you leave out "haben" and use "gern" with that verb; see the entry for "gern" in this frame).

A more intense variation on this expression is "etwas / jemanden zum Fressen gern haben," which means something like "to love something / someone to pieces." If you've looked at the Eating and Drinking frame, you know that "fressen" is used for animals eating; the expression makes more sense if you imagine a mother telling her child "I want to eat you all up!" 

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "gern" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) hat gern(e), hatte gern(e), hat gern(e) gehabt
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glücklich adjective happy

Details:

happy

This word is polysemous. That is, it has multiple senses. It means both "happy" (i.e. an Experiencer feels joy) and "lucky" (i.e. a person has good luck, e.g. "der glückliche Gewinner," "the lucky winner"). Of course, the "lucky" meaning doesn't evoke this frame.

The Stimulus can be expressed in a prepositional phrase using "über," in a dependent clause with "dass" ("that"), or with a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz).

Topic can be introduced with "über" or "mit," and "mit" can also be used for Content (this happens when the term is used like "zufrieden," "content").

"Glücklich" can be used as an adverb ("happily"), and adding an "un"-prefix turns this adjective into its opposite ("unhappy").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Glück" ("luck," "joy," "happiness"), "glücklicherweise" ("unfortunately"), "überglücklich" ("exuberantly happy," "jubilant," "over the moon")

Synonyms:

"froh," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„glücklich“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gl%C3%BCcklich>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Zoe ist glücklich mit ihrem Leben.
  2. Elisabeth war glücklich, dass so viele Gäste auf die Party kamen.
  3. Levi ist glücklich über seinen neuen Job.
  4. Im Moment ist er nicht glücklich mit seiner Familie.
  5. Sie ist glücklich über die gute Aufnahme ihres Buchs.
  6. Meine Kinder sind glücklich verheiratet.
  1. Zoe is happy with her life.
  2. Elisabeth was happy, that so many guests to the party came.
  3. Levi is happy about his new Job.
  4. At the moment he is not happy with his family.
  5. She is happy about the good reception of her book.
  6. My children are happily married.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich mit CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich mit TOPIC.
  4. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich über STIMULUS.accusative.
  5. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich über TOPIC.accusative.
  6. [glücklich- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is happy.
  2. EXPERIENCER is happy with CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER is happy with TOPIC.
  4. EXPERIENCER is happy about STIMULUS.
  5. EXPERIENCER is happy about TOPIC.
  6. [happy EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

happy

This word is polysemous. That is, it has multiple senses. It means both "happy" (i.e. an Experiencer feels joy) and "lucky" (i.e. a person has good luck, e.g. "der glückliche Gewinner," "the lucky winner"). Of course, the "lucky" meaning doesn't evoke this frame.

The Stimulus can be expressed in a prepositional phrase using "über," in a dependent clause with "dass" ("that"), or with a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz).

Topic can be introduced with "über" or "mit," and "mit" can also be used for Content (this happens when the term is used like "zufrieden," "content").

"Glücklich" can be used as an adverb ("happily"), and adding an "un"-prefix turns this adjective into its opposite ("unhappy").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Glück" ("luck," "joy," "happiness"), "glücklicherweise" ("unfortunately"), "überglücklich" ("exuberantly happy," "jubilant," "over the moon")

Synonyms:

"froh," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„glücklich“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gl%C3%BCcklich>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

glücklicher, am glücklichsten
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Hass, der noun hatred

Details:

hatred

Used similar to its English counterpart to describe an extreme dislike of an Experiencer. Compound nouns are quite common with this word, for example: "der Selbsthass" ("self-hate"), "der Fremdenhass" ("xenophobia"), "der Rassenhass" ("racial hatred"), "der Frauenhass" ("misogyny"), "der Schwulenhass" ("homophobia"), "der Islamhass" ("hatred of Islam"), etc.

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Synonym:

"die Abscheu"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Hass“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Hass>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. In den USA gibt es keinen Hass auf die Russen.
  2. Liam ist von Hass erfüllt.
  3. Der Hass gegen Migranten ist ein großes Problem.
  4. Elena empfand einen blinden Hass gegen den Mann.
  1. In the USA there is no hatred for Russians.
  2. Liam is with hatred filled.
  3. Hatred of immigrants is a big problem.
  4. Elena felt a blind hatred for the man.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat / empfindet / kriegt Hass.
  2. EXPERIENCER empfindet Hass gegen CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER empfindet Hass auf CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER has / feels / gets hatred.
  2. EXPERIENCER feels hatred for CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER feels hatred for CONTENT.
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Details:

hatred

Used similar to its English counterpart to describe an extreme dislike of an Experiencer. Compound nouns are quite common with this word, for example: "der Selbsthass" ("self-hate"), "der Fremdenhass" ("xenophobia"), "der Rassenhass" ("racial hatred"), "der Frauenhass" ("misogyny"), "der Schwulenhass" ("homophobia"), "der Islamhass" ("hatred of Islam"), etc.

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Synonym:

"die Abscheu"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Hass“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Hass>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

no plural, only used in singular
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hassen verb to hate

Details:

to hate

The verb "hassen" is used when an Experiencer feels an intense dislike for or a strong aversion towards something or someone. It is used like the English term.

Further details:

Word formation:

"hassenswert" ("hateful," "odious"), "der Hasser / die Hasserin" ("male / female hater, loather")

Synonyms:

"verabscheuen," "verachten"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„hassen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/hassen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Stephanie hasst diesen Film.
  2. Mein bester Freund hasst mich jetzt.
  3. Ich hasse es wie die Pest!
  4. Du hasst Autofahren.
  5. Ich hasse es, zu spät zu kommen.
  1. Stephanie hates this Film.
  2. My best friend hates me now.
  3. I hate it like the plague!
  4. You hate car riding.
  5. I hate it to be late.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hasst CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER hates CONTENT.
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Details:

to hate

The verb "hassen" is used when an Experiencer feels an intense dislike for or a strong aversion towards something or someone. It is used like the English term.

Further details:

Word formation:

"hassenswert" ("hateful," "odious"), "der Hasser / die Hasserin" ("male / female hater, loather")

Synonyms:

"verabscheuen," "verachten"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„hassen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/hassen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) hasst, hasste, hat gehasst
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Interesse, das noun interest

Details:

interest

"Das Interesse" refers to a state of Experiencers when they want to know or learn about someone or something, or when someone or something holds their attention. There are many metaphorical usages of this noun, but when it evokes this frame, the Experiencer is a sentient being. It is most often realized with a Topic or Stimulus, in a prepositional phrase headed by "an" (dat.) or "für" (akk.). "Für" tends to be used for things like fields of study or genres (a Topic), while "an" tends to occur with more specific interests (a Stimulus), but this is not a rule; they are more or less interchangeable.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Interessengruppe" ("interest group," "lobby"), "die Interessenvertretung" ("representation of interests," "lobby"), "der Interessenkonflikt" ("conflict of interest"), "der Interessenausgleich" ("reconciliation, balance of interests"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female potential buyer"), "interesse(n)los" ("uninterested"), "interessehalber" ("out of interest"), "das Allgemeininteresse" ("public interest"), "das Eigeninteresse" ("self-interest"), "das Desinteresse" ("disinterest," "lack of interest"), "desinteressiert" ("not interested"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Interessiertheit," "die Neugier," "die Neugierde," "die Anteilnahme"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Interesse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Interesse>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Viele Jugendliche haben kein Interesse für Politik.
  2. Die Weltmeisterschaft weckte mein Interesse an Fußball.
  3. Mias Interessen sind Philosophie und Musik.
  4. Mit 15 Jahren entwickelte Sophia ein Interesse für Mode und Literatur.
  5. Ich habe viele Interessen: Sport, Lesen, Kultur, Reisen. 
  6. Heinrich zeigt ein Interesse an dem Studium des Kosmos.
  7. Als ich einen Anatomiekurs belegte, entwickelte ich ein großes Interesse am menschlichen Körper.
  8. Ich sah mit großem Interesse zu, als sie den Kuchen vorbereitete.
  1. Many young people have no interest for politics.
  2. The World Cup aroused my interest in soccer.
  3. Mia's interests are philosophy and music.
  4. At 15, Sophia developed an interest for fashion and literature.
  5. I have many interests: sports, reading, culture, traveling.
  6. Heinrich shows an interest in the study of the cosmos.
  7. When I took an anatomy course, I developed a stong interest in the human body.
  8. I watched with great interest as she prepared the cake.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Interessen.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat ein Interesse an TOPIC / STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER hat ein Interesse für TOPIC / STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER has interests.
  2. EXPERIENCER has an interest in TOPIC / STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER has an interest for TOPIC / STIMULUS.
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Details:

interest

"Das Interesse" refers to a state of Experiencers when they want to know or learn about someone or something, or when someone or something holds their attention. There are many metaphorical usages of this noun, but when it evokes this frame, the Experiencer is a sentient being. It is most often realized with a Topic or Stimulus, in a prepositional phrase headed by "an" (dat.) or "für" (akk.). "Für" tends to be used for things like fields of study or genres (a Topic), while "an" tends to occur with more specific interests (a Stimulus), but this is not a rule; they are more or less interchangeable.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Interessengruppe" ("interest group," "lobby"), "die Interessenvertretung" ("representation of interests," "lobby"), "der Interessenkonflikt" ("conflict of interest"), "der Interessenausgleich" ("reconciliation, balance of interests"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female potential buyer"), "interesse(n)los" ("uninterested"), "interessehalber" ("out of interest"), "das Allgemeininteresse" ("public interest"), "das Eigeninteresse" ("self-interest"), "das Desinteresse" ("disinterest," "lack of interest"), "desinteressiert" ("not interested"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Interessiertheit," "die Neugier," "die Neugierde," "die Anteilnahme"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Interesse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Interesse>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Interessen
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interessieren verb to interest (to be interested in)

Details:

to interest; to be interested in

The verb "interessieren" is used when something or someone evokes the curiosity or attention of an Experiencer. It is used like its English counterpart, but there is also a reflexive form that means "to be interested in" ("sich interessieren für").

This concept is an exception to the pattern identified in the grammar note: for "interesting," use "interessant" (nicht "interessierend"). "Interessiert" is still appropriate, and its opposite can be formed by adding the prefix "un-" ("uninteressiert").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Interesse" ("interest"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female interested person," "interested party," "potential buyer"), "interessiert" ("interested")

Synonyms:

"jemandes Interesse erwecken," "ansprechen," "faszinieren," "reizen," "verlocken"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„interessieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/interessieren>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Philosophie interessiert Sara.
  2. Es interessiert ihn, dass Deutsch und Englisch so ähnlich sind.
  3.  Ich interessiere mich für Fußball. 
  4.  Jana interessiert sich sehr für Kultur. Sie geht jede Woche ins Theater oder ins Museum.
  5.  Ich interessiere mich nicht für Geschichte. 
  6.  Dieses Programm im Radio interessiert mich nicht. 
  7. Felix interessiert sich für Linguistik.
  8. Als sie jung waren, interessierten sich Lily und Mila für Puppen und Pferde.
  1. Philosophy interests Sara.
  2. It interests him, that German and English are so similar.
  3. I am interested in soccer.
  4. Jana is very interested in culture. She goes every week to the theater or the museum.
  5. I am not interested in history.
  6. This program on the radio does not interest me.
  7. Felix is interested in linguistics.
  8. When they were young, Lily and Mila were interested in dolls and horses.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS interessiert EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER interessiert sich für STIMULUS.
  1. STIMULUS interests EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER is interested in STIMULUS.
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Details:

to interest; to be interested in

The verb "interessieren" is used when something or someone evokes the curiosity or attention of an Experiencer. It is used like its English counterpart, but there is also a reflexive form that means "to be interested in" ("sich interessieren für").

This concept is an exception to the pattern identified in the grammar note: for "interesting," use "interessant" (nicht "interessierend"). "Interessiert" is still appropriate, and its opposite can be formed by adding the prefix "un-" ("uninteressiert").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Interesse" ("interest"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female interested person," "interested party," "potential buyer"), "interessiert" ("interested")

Synonyms:

"jemandes Interesse erwecken," "ansprechen," "faszinieren," "reizen," "verlocken"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„interessieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/interessieren>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) interessiert, interessierte, hat interessiert; sich interessieren für (to be interested in)
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jdm. Wurst sein multi-word expression to be all the same

Details:

to be all the same

Literally "to be sausage to s.o.", this expression means "I don't care" or "it's all the same to me." It's a bit stonger than "es ist mir egal."

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Wurscht sein," "gleichgültig sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Wurst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurst>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

„Wurscht“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurscht>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "die Wurst" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Es ist mir Wurst!
  2. Es war ihm ziemlich Wurst, ob er mitkommen konnte.
  3. Den Fans ist es Wurscht, ob die Mannschaft gewinnt.
  1. It is all the same to me! (I don't care!)
  2. It was pretty much all the same to him, whether he was able to come along.
  3. The fans don't care whether or not the team wins.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. CONTENT ist EXPERIENCER.dative Wurst.
  1. CONTENT is EXPERIENCER sausage.
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Details:

to be all the same

Literally "to be sausage to s.o.", this expression means "I don't care" or "it's all the same to me." It's a bit stonger than "es ist mir egal."

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Wurscht sein," "gleichgültig sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Wurst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurst>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

„Wurscht“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurscht>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "die Wurst" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er/es) ist jdm. wurst, war jdm. wurst, ist jdm. wurst gewesen
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lieben verb to love

Details:

to love

For the most part, "lieben" is used like English "to love" - it's stronger than liking, and it can apply to things like songs, a job, girlfriends / boyfriends, etc. Here's the difference in usage: in English, it is common to say that one loves one's friends, and to tell them so. In German, however, there is a different expression for this: "lieb haben," as in "ich habe dich lieb" ("I like you very much").

So while "lieben" can apply to things, when it is used for relationships between people, it indicates a very stong feeling. Thus, directly telling someone "ich liebe dich" is typically reserved for significant others or immediate family (e.g. parents / children).

Further details:

Word formation:

"(der) Liebling" ("darling"), "beliebig" ("arbitrary," "optional")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„lieben“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/lieben>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Alexander liebt seine Freundin.
  2. Ich liebe meinen Beruf.
  3. Als Teenager in den 90er Jahren liebte sie Kurt Cobain.
  4. Er liebt nur mich.
  5. Ich liebe dich!
  1. Alexander loves his girlfriend.
  2. I love my career.
  3. As a teenager in the 90s, she loved Kurt Cobain.
  4. He loves only me.
  5. I love you!
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER liebt CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER loves CONTENT.
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Details:

to love

For the most part, "lieben" is used like English "to love" - it's stronger than liking, and it can apply to things like songs, a job, girlfriends / boyfriends, etc. Here's the difference in usage: in English, it is common to say that one loves one's friends, and to tell them so. In German, however, there is a different expression for this: "lieb haben," as in "ich habe dich lieb" ("I like you very much").

So while "lieben" can apply to things, when it is used for relationships between people, it indicates a very stong feeling. Thus, directly telling someone "ich liebe dich" is typically reserved for significant others or immediate family (e.g. parents / children).

Further details:

Word formation:

"(der) Liebling" ("darling"), "beliebig" ("arbitrary," "optional")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„lieben“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/lieben>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) liebt, liebte, hat geliebt
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Mitleid, das noun sympathy

Details:

sympathy, pity; lit. "with-sorrow"

An Experiencer has "(das) Mitleid" when they feel sorrow and compassion caused by the sufferings of others. It is used like the English equivalent; the Stimulus can be realized following either "mit" (dat.) or "für" (akk.).

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Word formation:

"mitleiderregend / Mitleid erregend" ("pitiful," "pathetic"), "mitleidig" ("pitying," "compassionate"), "mitleidlos" ("pitiless," "merciless," "ruthless"), "das Selbstmitleid" ("self-pity")

Synonyms:

"die Anteilnahme," "das Bedauern," "das Mitgefühl"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Mitleid“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Mitleid>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Livia will kein Mitleid.
  2. Langsam erregte Tanja das Mitleid ihres Lehrers.
  3. Nach dem Feuer geht es meinen Nachbarn gar nicht gut; ich habe Mitleid für ihre Lage.
  4. Trotz allem, was passierte, hatte Dario noch Mitleid mit dem Verbrecher.
  5. Manche Soldaten hatten ein bisschen Mitleid mit den Kriegsgefangenen.
  6. Polizisten empfinden kein Mitleid für Autofahrer, die nicht auf die Verkehrsregeln achten.
  1. Livia wants no pity.
  2. Slowly, Tanja inspired her teacher's sympathy.
  3. After the fire, it's not going well at all for my neighbors; I have sympathy for their situation.
  4. Despite everything that happened, Dario still had sympathy for the criminal.
  5. Some soldiers had a little sympathy for the prisoners of war.
  6. Policemen feel no sympathy for drivers who don't pay attention to traffic rules.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Mitleid.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat Mitleid mit STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER has sympathy.
  2. EXPERIENCER has sympathy for STIMULUS.
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Details:

sympathy, pity; lit. "with-sorrow"

An Experiencer has "(das) Mitleid" when they feel sorrow and compassion caused by the sufferings of others. It is used like the English equivalent; the Stimulus can be realized following either "mit" (dat.) or "für" (akk.).

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Word formation:

"mitleiderregend / Mitleid erregend" ("pitiful," "pathetic"), "mitleidig" ("pitying," "compassionate"), "mitleidlos" ("pitiless," "merciless," "ruthless"), "das Selbstmitleid" ("self-pity")

Synonyms:

"die Anteilnahme," "das Bedauern," "das Mitgefühl"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Mitleid“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Mitleid>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

no plural, only used in singular
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mögen verb to like

Details:

to like

"Etwas mögen" means that an Experiencer finds something agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but it's not the only way to express this notion (see "gefallen," "gern," and "gern haben"). Its forms are irregular, so they are given below. The subject of this verb is the Experiencer, and the Content can either be the direct object or a verb denoting an activity. When used with another verb, that verb is placed at the end of the clause in its infinitive form.

Like many modal verbs, "mögen" is irregular. Find the present tense conjugation forms in the table below.

 sg.pl.
1st pers.ich magwir mögen
2nd pers.du magstihr mögt
3rd pers.er magsie mögen
formal                 Sie mögen

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„mögen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/m%C3%B6gen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Lea mag Tiere.
  2. Markus mochte das Geschenk von seiner Freundin.
  3. Kim und Angela mögen Rockmusik.
  4. Cliff mag zeichnen.
  5. Magst du Kaffee oder Tee?
  6. Ich esse gern Fisch. Fleisch mag ich nicht.
  1. Lea likes animals.
  2. Markus liked the present from his girlfriend.
  3. Kim and Angela like rock music.
  4. Cliff likes to draw.
  5. Do you like coffee or tea?
  6. I like to eat fish. Meat I don't like.
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Grammar:

What's "modal" about this verb?

The small class of words known as "modal verbs" is made up of verbs that do not denote an action (as is normally the case, e.g. "tanzen," "to dance"), but rather the way something else is experienced - that is, they express modality. So, you can indicate someone's relation to an action using modal verbs: "Sie mag tanzen" ("She likes to dance"), or "Sie muss tanzen" ("She must dance").

Modals exist in English too, and they are most often used with another verb. When this happens in German, that other verb appears at the end of the clause in its infinitive form. Modals are not typically used in the Perfekt tense, so you only have to worry about knowing the simple past (Imperfekt) form. For more information, see the examples for particular verbs or these topics in Grimm Grammar: Modals in present tense, Modals in past tense (Imperfekt).

Modalverb         Modal verb
mögenlike
wollenwant
sollenshould / be supposed to
müssenmust / have to
dürfenmay / be allowed to
könnencan / be able to
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER mag CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER likes CONTENT.
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Details:

to like

"Etwas mögen" means that an Experiencer finds something agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but it's not the only way to express this notion (see "gefallen," "gern," and "gern haben"). Its forms are irregular, so they are given below. The subject of this verb is the Experiencer, and the Content can either be the direct object or a verb denoting an activity. When used with another verb, that verb is placed at the end of the clause in its infinitive form.

Like many modal verbs, "mögen" is irregular. Find the present tense conjugation forms in the table below.

 sg.pl.
1st pers.ich magwir mögen
2nd pers.du magstihr mögt
3rd pers.er magsie mögen
formal                 Sie mögen

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„mögen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/m%C3%B6gen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) mag, mochte, hat gemocht
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neidisch adjective envious

Details:

envious

The adjective "neidisch" is used when an Experiencer feels or shows envy toward someone or something. It is used like its English counterpart. To express the Topic a person is envious "of," use "auf" (akk.). This is typically another person.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"von Neid erfüllt / neiderfüllt," "missgünstig," "eifersüchtig," "scheel" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„neidisch“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/neidisch>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Lukas ist neidisch auf seinen besten Freund.
  2. Karin ist neidisch auf Lena, weil sie ein neues Auto hat.
  3. Jürgen schaut ein bisschen neidisch auf den Anzug seines Nachbarn.
  4. Ich beobachte neidisch, wie das Kind auf den Baum klettert.
  5. Der neidische Kollege wusste, dass Sabine mehr Geld verdiente als er.
  1. Lukas is envious of his best friend.
  2. Karin is envious of Lena, because she has a new car.
  3. Jürgen looks a little bit enviously at the suit of his neighbor.
  4. I observe enviously how the child climbs on the tree.
  5. The envious colleague knew that Sabine earned more money than he.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist neidisch.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist neidisch auf TOPIC.accusative.
  3. [neidisch- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is envious.
  2. EXPERIENCER is envious of TOPIC.
  3. [envious EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

envious

The adjective "neidisch" is used when an Experiencer feels or shows envy toward someone or something. It is used like its English counterpart. To express the Topic a person is envious "of," use "auf" (akk.). This is typically another person.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"von Neid erfüllt / neiderfüllt," "missgünstig," "eifersüchtig," "scheel" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„neidisch“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/neidisch>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

neidischer, am neidischsten
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Nerven: jdm. auf die Nerven gehen multi-word expression to get on s.o.'s nerves

Details:

to get on someone's nerves

Used like its English equivalent to say that something or someone is becoming really annoying to the Experiencer. In German, however, the Experiencer appears in dative rather than as a possessive.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"jmdn. nerven," "jmdm. auf den Keks gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Senkel gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Zeiger gehen" (coll.),  "jmdm. lästig werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„auf die Nerven gehen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/auf%20die%20Nerven%20gehen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Dieses Lied geht mir auf die Nerven.
  2. Adrian geht ihr auf die Nerven.
  3. Wenn mir ein Journalist auf die Nerven geht, kann ich sofort reagieren.
  4. Er will den Leuten nicht auf die Nerven gehen.
  1. This song gets on my nerves.
  2. Adrian gets on her nerves.
  3. If a journalist gets on  my nerves, I can immediately react.
  4. He doesn't want to get  on the people's nerves.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS geht EXPERIENCER.dative auf die Nerven.
  1. STIMULUS gets EXPERIENCER on the nerves.
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Details:

to get on someone's nerves

Used like its English equivalent to say that something or someone is becoming really annoying to the Experiencer. In German, however, the Experiencer appears in dative rather than as a possessive.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"jmdn. nerven," "jmdm. auf den Keks gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Senkel gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Zeiger gehen" (coll.),  "jmdm. lästig werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„auf die Nerven gehen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/auf%20die%20Nerven%20gehen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) geht jdm. auf die Nerven, ging jdm. auf die Nerven, ist jdm. auf die Nerven gegangen
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nervös adjective nervous

Details:

nervous

An Experiencer is "nervös" when they are easily agitated, alarmed, or anxious. It is used like the English equivalent. Can also function as an adverb. Stimulus is typically expressed with "wegen" (gen.), "because of."

Further details:

Word formation:

"hypernervös" ("extremely nervous"), "übernervös" ("overanxious"), "die Nervosität" ("nervousness," "jumpiness," "flurry," "excitement")

Synonyms:

"reizbar," "gereizt," "erregbar," "unruhig," "zerfahren," "ruhelos," "kribbelig," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„nervös“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/nerv%C3%B6s>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die Studenten sind alle nervös wegen des großen Examens.
  2. Hannah war ziemlich nervös vor der Prüfung.
  3. Daniel macht mich nervös, wenn er mich so anstarrt.
  4. Bei Prüfungen bin ich immer sehr nervös.
  1. The students are all nervous because of the big exam.
  2. Hannah was pretty nervous before the test.
  3. Daniel makes me nervous, when he stares at me like that.
  4. When I have exams I am always very nervous.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

TOP OF PAGE | COLLAPSE ALL

Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist nervös.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist nervös wegen STIMULUS.
  3. [nervös- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is nervous.
  2. EXPERIENCER is nervous because of STIMULUS.
  3. [nervous EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

nervous

An Experiencer is "nervös" when they are easily agitated, alarmed, or anxious. It is used like the English equivalent. Can also function as an adverb. Stimulus is typically expressed with "wegen" (gen.), "because of."

Further details:

Word formation:

"hypernervös" ("extremely nervous"), "übernervös" ("overanxious"), "die Nervosität" ("nervousness," "jumpiness," "flurry," "excitement")

Synonyms:

"reizbar," "gereizt," "erregbar," "unruhig," "zerfahren," "ruhelos," "kribbelig," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„nervös“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/nerv%C3%B6s>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

nervöser, am nervösesten
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schämen: sich (akk.) schämen verb to feel ashamed

Details:

to feel ashamed

German speakers use the verb "sich schämen" in the same way as English speakers use "to be ashamed:" when Experiencers feel embarrassed or guilty because of their actions, their surrounding or their characteristics. The subject of this reflexive verb is the Experiencer, and the Stimulus appears in genitive case. The preposition "wegen" can also indicate the Stimulus (genitive is the accepted case, but this is sometimes seen with dative).

Ashamedness is often associated with the presence of a particular person or people; use the preposition "vor" (dat.) to say "in front of." If a person feels ashamed for another, "für" (akk.) is used, and this functions as Topic. A zu-construction (Infinitivsatz) can also be used to convey a Topic or Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beschämen" ("to humiliate so.," "to put so. to shame"), "die Scham" ("shame")

Synonym:

"Scham empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schämen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sch%C3%A4men>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Leon schämte sich wegen seines schlechten Verhaltens.
  2. Peter schämt sich für seinen Freund.
  3. Ich schäme mich oft vor meinem Therapeuten.
  4. Schämst du dich nicht?
  5. Er schämt sich, Schweizer zu sein, wegen des Erfolgs der Volksinitiative gegen Masseneinwanderung.
  1. Leon felt ashamed because of his bad behavior.
  2. Peter feels ashamed for his friend.
  3. I often feel ashamed in front of my therapist.
  4. Don't you feel ashamed?
  5. He feels ashamed to be Swiss because of the success of the people's initiative against mass immigration.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER schämt sich.accusative
  2. EXPERIENCER schämt sich STIMULUS.genitive.
  3. EXPERIENCER schämt sich wegen STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER feels ashamed.
  2. EXPERIENCER feels ashamed of STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER feels ashamed because of STIMULUS.
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Details:

to feel ashamed

German speakers use the verb "sich schämen" in the same way as English speakers use "to be ashamed:" when Experiencers feel embarrassed or guilty because of their actions, their surrounding or their characteristics. The subject of this reflexive verb is the Experiencer, and the Stimulus appears in genitive case. The preposition "wegen" can also indicate the Stimulus (genitive is the accepted case, but this is sometimes seen with dative).

Ashamedness is often associated with the presence of a particular person or people; use the preposition "vor" (dat.) to say "in front of." If a person feels ashamed for another, "für" (akk.) is used, and this functions as Topic. A zu-construction (Infinitivsatz) can also be used to convey a Topic or Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beschämen" ("to humiliate so.," "to put so. to shame"), "die Scham" ("shame")

Synonym:

"Scham empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schämen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sch%C3%A4men>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) schämt sich, schämte sich, hat sich geschämt
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schockieren verb to shock

Details:

to shock

The verb "schockieren is used like English "to shock" in situations when a Stimulus causes the Experiencer to feel surprised and upset. Used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Schock" ("shock," "jolt"), "schockierend" ("shocking")

Synonyms:

"erschrecken," "erschüttern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schockieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/schockieren>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Der Skandal schockiert die Nation.
  2. Die Nachricht schockierte die Bürger.
  3. Am Anfang sind alle total schockiert gewesen.
  4. Das Verbrechen hat ihn zutiefst schockiert.
  5. Die Telekom schockierte mit der Nachricht von 7 Milliarden Euro Verlust.
  1. The scandal shocks the nation.
  2. The news shocked the citizens.
  3. In the beginning were all totally shocked.
  4. The crime deeply shocked him.
  5. The Telekom shocked with the announcement of 7 billion euros loss.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS schockiert EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS shocks EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to shock

The verb "schockieren is used like English "to shock" in situations when a Stimulus causes the Experiencer to feel surprised and upset. Used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Schock" ("shock," "jolt"), "schockierend" ("shocking")

Synonyms:

"erschrecken," "erschüttern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schockieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/schockieren>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) schockiert, schockierte, hat schockiert
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Sorge, die: sich (dat.) Sorgen machen (um) multi-word expression to worry

Details:

to worry (about), lit. to make (for) oneself worries

Like in English, "sich Sorgen machen" is used when an Experiencer feels troubled over actual or potential difficulties, i.e. the Experiencer expresses concern for a Topic or Content. Since what one worries about hasn't actually happened, it cannot be a Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Sorgenfalte" ("worry line"), "das Sorgenkind" ("problem child"), "sorglos" ("careless," "carefree"), among others

Synonyms:

"sich sorgen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "beunruhigt sein," "sich Kummer machen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Sorge“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Sorge>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„machen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/machen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 01.06.2022.

 

The words "die Sorge," "sorgen" and the phrase "sich Sorgen machen" are part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Jasmin macht sich Sorgen um die Zukunft.
  2. Stefans Mutter macht sich Sorgen um seine Gesundheit.
  3. Claudia macht sich Sorgen, dass sie die Prüfung nicht bestehen wird.
  4. Mach dir bitte keine Sorgen.
  5. Keine Sorge. Es wird schon klappen!
  6. Um Ihre Zukunft brauchen Sie sich keine Sorgen zu machen.
  1. Jasmin worries about the future.
  2. Stefan's mother worries about his health.
  3. Claudia worries that she won't pass the test.
  4. Please don't worry.
  5. No worries. It will work out!
  6. About your future you don't have to worry.
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Grammar:

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns

Verbs that are used reflexively often carry a reciprocal meaning or the meaning that the subject is performing the action of the verb on themself, although some abstract verbs are used reflexively without such meanings. In any case, the reflexive pronouns and word order are the same. As a general rule, the reflexive pronoun should appear just after the subject, although the V2 rule trumps this one, so in a basic sentence, you will find: subject, verb, reflexive (e.g. "Er verliebt sich in Melanie," "He is falling in love with Melanie"). For further examples, consult the Examples sections of reflexive verbs. Click here for further explanation.

NominativAkkusativDativ
ichmichmir
dudichdir
er/sie/essichsich
wirunsuns
ihreucheuch
sie/Siesichsich
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER macht sich Sorgen.
  2. EXPERIENCER macht sich Sorgen um TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER macht sich Sorgen, dass CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER worries.
  2. EXPERIENCER worries about TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER worries that CONTENT.
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Details:

to worry (about), lit. to make (for) oneself worries

Like in English, "sich Sorgen machen" is used when an Experiencer feels troubled over actual or potential difficulties, i.e. the Experiencer expresses concern for a Topic or Content. Since what one worries about hasn't actually happened, it cannot be a Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Sorgenfalte" ("worry line"), "das Sorgenkind" ("problem child"), "sorglos" ("careless," "carefree"), among others

Synonyms:

"sich sorgen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "beunruhigt sein," "sich Kummer machen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Sorge“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Sorge>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„machen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/machen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 01.06.2022.

 

The words "die Sorge," "sorgen" and the phrase "sich Sorgen machen" are part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) macht sich Sorgen (um), machte sich Sorgen (um), hat sich Sorgen (um) gemacht
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sorgen: sich sorgen (um etwas / jemanden) verb to worry about so. / sth., to fret, to distress oneself

Details:

to worry about so. / sth., to fret, to distress oneself

German "sich um etwas / jemanden sorgen" means that an Experiencer has feelings of anxiety or unease about some Content or Stimulus. Note that the verb "sorgen" in this frame is used reflexively, often with the preposition "um" (with accusative) heading the phrase containing an issue or person that is the Content or Stimulus. Otherwise, it is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation: 

"fürsorgend," "fürsorglich" (both: "caring"), "umsorgen" ("to shephard so."), "vorsorgen" ("to provide for sth.," "to look ahead")

Synonyms:

"sich Sorgen machen," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Kummer machen," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Corinna sorgt sich um ihren Vater.
  2. Ich sorge mich ein bisschen, denn er sollte schon lange hier sein.
  3. Deswegen brauchst du dich nicht zu sorgen.
  4. In Deutschland sorgt man sich um das Bienensterben.
  1. Corinna worries about her father.
  2. I worry a bit because he should be here already for a long time.
  3. For that reason you don't have to worry.
  4. In Germany one worries about the dying of the bees.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER sorgt sich.
  2. EXPERIENCER sorgt sich um CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER worries.
  2. EXPERIENCER worries about CONTENT.
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Details:

to worry about so. / sth., to fret, to distress oneself

German "sich um etwas / jemanden sorgen" means that an Experiencer has feelings of anxiety or unease about some Content or Stimulus. Note that the verb "sorgen" in this frame is used reflexively, often with the preposition "um" (with accusative) heading the phrase containing an issue or person that is the Content or Stimulus. Otherwise, it is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation: 

"fürsorgend," "fürsorglich" (both: "caring"), "umsorgen" ("to shephard so."), "vorsorgen" ("to provide for sth.," "to look ahead")

Synonyms:

"sich Sorgen machen," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Kummer machen," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) sorgt sich (um etw./jmdn.), sorgte sich (um etw./jmdn.), hat sich (um etw./jmdn.) gesorgt
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Spaß, der noun fun

Details:

fun, joke

"Der Spaß" refers like its English equivalent to things or activities that bring enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure to an Experiencer. In English, "fun" can be a noun or an adjective, but this is not so in German. This means that "Spaß" cannot be used with the verb "sein," as in "That is fun." Instead, Germans say "That makes fun" or "Das macht Spaß." The Experiencer can be expressed in such a phrase using dative: "Das macht mir Spaß."

Note, however, that speakers of both languages are known to "have" fun!

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Spaßvogel" ("joker," "jester"), "die Spaßgesellschaft" ("hedonistic society," "society obsessed with pleasure"), "der Spaßverderber" ("killjoy," "spoilsport," "wet blanket"), "die Spaßbremse" ("fun killer," "party pooper"), "spaßhaft" ("facetious," "jokey"), "spaßig" ("comical," "funny,"), "der Heidenspaß," "der Riesenspaß," "der Mordsspaß" (all three: "huge fun"), "der Fahrspaß" ("driving pleasure"), among others

Synonyms:

"der Freude," "das Vergnügen" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Spaß“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Spa%C3%9F>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Samuel hat Spaß auf der Party.
  2. Fußball macht Spaß!
  3. Seine Arbeit macht ihm Spaß.
  4. Es macht keinen Spaß, allein zu sein.
  5. Die Freunde hatten alle viel Spaß auf dem Konzert.
  6. Ich bin nicht zum Spaß hier.
  7. Ich will nicht aufräumen. Das macht mir keinen Spaß.
  8. Viel Spaß!
  1. Samuel has fun at the Party.
  2. Soccer makes fun!
  3. His work makes to him fun.
  4. It makes no fun, to be alone.
  5. The friends all had a lot of fun at the concert.
  6. I am not here for fun.
  7. I don't want to clean up. That is not fun for me.
  8. Have fun!
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Spaß.
  2. STIMULUS macht Spaß.
  3. STIMULUS macht EXPERIENCER.dative Spaß.
  1. EXPERIENCER has fun.
  2. STIMULUS makes fun.
  3. STIMULUS makes (to) EXPERIENCER fun.
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Details:

fun, joke

"Der Spaß" refers like its English equivalent to things or activities that bring enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure to an Experiencer. In English, "fun" can be a noun or an adjective, but this is not so in German. This means that "Spaß" cannot be used with the verb "sein," as in "That is fun." Instead, Germans say "That makes fun" or "Das macht Spaß." The Experiencer can be expressed in such a phrase using dative: "Das macht mir Spaß."

Note, however, that speakers of both languages are known to "have" fun!

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Spaßvogel" ("joker," "jester"), "die Spaßgesellschaft" ("hedonistic society," "society obsessed with pleasure"), "der Spaßverderber" ("killjoy," "spoilsport," "wet blanket"), "die Spaßbremse" ("fun killer," "party pooper"), "spaßhaft" ("facetious," "jokey"), "spaßig" ("comical," "funny,"), "der Heidenspaß," "der Riesenspaß," "der Mordsspaß" (all three: "huge fun"), "der Fahrspaß" ("driving pleasure"), among others

Synonyms:

"der Freude," "das Vergnügen" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Spaß“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Spa%C3%9F>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Späße (has a different meaning: jokes)
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traurig adjective sad

Details:

sad

"Traurig" is used when an Experiencer is unhappy or feels sorrow, or when a Stimulus causes sorrow or regret. Just as with English "sad," "traurig" can be used to describe a variety of things that are not people, as in "ein trauriges Buch," "ein trauriger Tag," etc. When it is applied to an Experiencer, the preposition "über" expresses what someone is sad "about" (the Stimulus).

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Traurigkeit" ("sadness"), "tieftraurig," "todtraurig" (both: "very sad")

Synonyms:

"von Trauer erfüllt," "betrübt," "kummervoll," "getrübt," "bedrückt," "freudlich," "unglücklich"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„traurig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/traurig>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Steffi ist immer traurig.
  2. Martin wurde traurig über den Tod seines Hundes.
  3. Es macht mich traurig, dass ich in den Ferien nicht nach Hause fahren kann.
  4. Ich bin sehr traurig. Meine Katze ist weggelaufen.
  1. Steffi is always sad.
  2. Martin became sad about the death of his dog.
  3. It makes me sad that I can't go home during vacation.
  4. I am very sad. My cat ran away.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist traurig.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist traurig über STIMULUS.accusative.
  3. [traurig- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is sad.
  2. EXPERIENCER is sad about STIMULUS.
  3. [sad EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

sad

"Traurig" is used when an Experiencer is unhappy or feels sorrow, or when a Stimulus causes sorrow or regret. Just as with English "sad," "traurig" can be used to describe a variety of things that are not people, as in "ein trauriges Buch," "ein trauriger Tag," etc. When it is applied to an Experiencer, the preposition "über" expresses what someone is sad "about" (the Stimulus).

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Traurigkeit" ("sadness"), "tieftraurig," "todtraurig" (both: "very sad")

Synonyms:

"von Trauer erfüllt," "betrübt," "kummervoll," "getrübt," "bedrückt," "freudlich," "unglücklich"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„traurig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/traurig>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

trauriger, am traurigsten
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trösten verb to comfort, to console

Details:

to comfort, to console

The verb "trösten" refers to situations where someone or something causes an Experiencer to feel less unhappy. Used like its English counterpart. The Stimulus (subject) can act intentionally or not; this role can but need not be filled by a person.

When used reflexively (with "sich"), this verb indicates that the Experiencer seeks comfort (causing it indirectly), and the Stimulus remains the direct cause of the feeling. In such cases, the Stimulus is introduced by the preposition "mit" ("with").

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Tröster" ("comforter," "consoler," "allayer"), "untröstlich" ("inconsolable," "heartbroken," "grief-stricken"), "hinwegtrösten" ("to be on the rebound"), "vertrösten" ("to put so. off," "to fob so. off")

Synonyms:

"Trost spenden," "aufbauen," "ermutigen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„trösten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/tr%C3%B6sten>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Selinas Freund tröstet sie.
  2. Der Schnuller tröstet das Baby.
  3. Manchmal tröstet man sich nach einer Trennung mit einem neuen Geliebten.
  4. Florian tröstete sich mit dem Gedanken, dass es nicht unbedingt perfekt sein musste.
  1. Selinas boyfriend comforts her.
  2. The pacifier comforts the baby.
  3. Sometimes one comforts oneself after a separation with a new lover.
  4. Florian comforted himself with the thought that it didn't necessarily have to be perfect.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS tröstet EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS comforts EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to comfort, to console

The verb "trösten" refers to situations where someone or something causes an Experiencer to feel less unhappy. Used like its English counterpart. The Stimulus (subject) can act intentionally or not; this role can but need not be filled by a person.

When used reflexively (with "sich"), this verb indicates that the Experiencer seeks comfort (causing it indirectly), and the Stimulus remains the direct cause of the feeling. In such cases, the Stimulus is introduced by the preposition "mit" ("with").

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Tröster" ("comforter," "consoler," "allayer"), "untröstlich" ("inconsolable," "heartbroken," "grief-stricken"), "hinwegtrösten" ("to be on the rebound"), "vertrösten" ("to put so. off," "to fob so. off")

Synonyms:

"Trost spenden," "aufbauen," "ermutigen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„trösten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/tr%C3%B6sten>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) tröstet, tröstete, hat getröstet
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überraschen verb to surprise

Details:

to surprise

Used like its English equivalent to say that a Stimulus causes an Experiencer to feel surprise.

Further details:

Word formation:

"überraschend" ("surprisingly")

Synonyms:

"erstaunen," "verblüffen," "frappieren," "verdutzen," "verwundern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„überraschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%BCberraschen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Du überraschst mich!
  2. Levi überrascht seine Mutter mit einem schönen Geschenk.
  3. Das Ergebnis des Experiments überraschte den Physiker.
  4. Ich bin ganz überrascht, dass die Wohnung so billig ist.
  1. You surprise me!
  2. Levi surprises his mother with a beautiful gift.
  3. The results of the experiment surprised the physicist.
  4. I am very surprised that the apartment is so cheap.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS überrascht EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS surprises EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to surprise

Used like its English equivalent to say that a Stimulus causes an Experiencer to feel surprise.

Further details:

Word formation:

"überraschend" ("surprisingly")

Synonyms:

"erstaunen," "verblüffen," "frappieren," "verdutzen," "verwundern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„überraschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%BCberraschen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) überrascht, überraschte, hat überrascht
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vermissen verb to miss

Details:

to miss

The verb "vermissen" refers to a situation when an Experiencer feels sad because they no longer have something or someone, or cannot do an activity, have an experience anymore. It is used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Synonym:

"fehlen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„vermissen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/vermissen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Nena vermisst ihre Familie und Freunde.
  2. Ich vermisse dich.
  3. Klaus vermisste Texas, während er in Österreich war.
  4. Ich vermisse meine Familie.
  1. Nena misses her family and friends.
  2. I miss you.
  3. Klaus missed Texas, while he was in Austria.
  4. I miss my family.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER vermisst CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER misses CONTENT.
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Details:

to miss

The verb "vermissen" refers to a situation when an Experiencer feels sad because they no longer have something or someone, or cannot do an activity, have an experience anymore. It is used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Synonym:

"fehlen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„vermissen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/vermissen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) vermisst, vermisste, hat vermisst
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verzweifelt adjective desperate

Details:

desperate

This is a paricipial adjective derived from the intransitive verb "verzweifeln (an)" ("to despair (of)," "to give up (on)"). It conveys the meaning that someone (an Experiencer) is desparate, hopeless, defeated. It can also be used as an adverb ("desperately").

This adjective also frequently describes a situation ("eine Situation") or an attempt ("einen Versuch") that is desperate from the point of view of an Experiencer.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"hoffnungslos," "ausweglos," "desperat"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„verzweifelt“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/verzweifelt>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Leon hat keine Hoffnung mehr; er ist verzweifelt.
  2. Nachdem ich beim Test durchgefallen bin, war ich total verzweifelt.
  3. Der verzweifelte Mann wollte aus dem Fenster springen, aber die Polizei brachte ihn von seinem Vorhaben ab.
  4. Seit Tagen läuft die verzweifelte Suche nach Verschütteten.
  1. Leon has no hope anymore; he is desperate.
  2. After I failed the test, I was totally desperate.
  3. The desperate man wanted to jump out of the window, but the police talked him out of his plan.
  4. For days the desperate search for buried people is going on.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist verzweifelt.
  2. [verzweifelt- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is desparate.
  2. [desparate EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

desperate

This is a paricipial adjective derived from the intransitive verb "verzweifeln (an)" ("to despair (of)," "to give up (on)"). It conveys the meaning that someone (an Experiencer) is desparate, hopeless, defeated. It can also be used as an adverb ("desperately").

This adjective also frequently describes a situation ("eine Situation") or an attempt ("einen Versuch") that is desperate from the point of view of an Experiencer.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"hoffnungslos," "ausweglos," "desperat"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„verzweifelt“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/verzweifelt>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

verzweifelter, am verzweifeltsten
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wütend adjective angry

Details:

angry

This word is used like its English counterpart when an Experiencer feels and shows anger. It can also be used as an adverb ("angrily"). To indicate what one is angry "at" (the Stimulus), the preposition "auf" (akk.) is used. "Über" (akk.) is the equivalent of "about," and can express the Stimulus or Topic.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Wüterich" ("tartar"), "stinkwütend" ("very angry")

Synonyms:

"zornig," "böse," "empört," "aufgebracht," "aggressiv," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„wütend“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/w%C3%BCtend>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Nina ist wütend auf Jana.
  2. Meine Mutter macht mich wütend.
  3. Verkäufer sind wütend über den Boykott.
  4. Die Jugendlichen werden wütend über Ungerechtigkeit.
  5. Leon versuchte, die wütende Frau zu beruhigen.
  6. Warum bist du so wütend?
  1. Nina is angry at Jana.
  2. My mother makes me angry.
  3. Sellers are angry about the boycott.
  4. The young people get angry about injustice.
  5. Leon tried to calm the angry woman.
  6. Why are you so angry?
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist wütend.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist wütend auf STIMULUS.accusative.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist wütend über STIMULUS.accusative.
  4. EXPERIENCER ist wütend über TOPIC.accusative.
  5. [wütend- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is angry.
  2. EXPERIENCER is angry at STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER is angry about STIMULUS.
  4. EXPERIENCER is angry about TOPIC.
  5. [angry EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

angry

This word is used like its English counterpart when an Experiencer feels and shows anger. It can also be used as an adverb ("angrily"). To indicate what one is angry "at" (the Stimulus), the preposition "auf" (akk.) is used. "Über" (akk.) is the equivalent of "about," and can express the Stimulus or Topic.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Wüterich" ("tartar"), "stinkwütend" ("very angry")

Synonyms:

"zornig," "böse," "empört," "aufgebracht," "aggressiv," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„wütend“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/w%C3%BCtend>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

wütender, am wütendsten
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zufrieden adjective content, satisfied

Details:

content, satisfied

An Experiencer is "zufrieden" when they are happy and pleased with a situation and willing to accept it, rather than wanting something more / better. It is used like its English counterpart: the Experiencer typically appears as the subject of "sein" and the Content is expressed in a prepositional phrase headed by "mit" (dat. - "with"). This word can also be used as an adverb, for example, "Sie lächelt zufrieden" ("She smiles contentedly").

This word can combine with the prefix "un-" to convey an opposite meaning: "unzufrieden" ("discontent," "dissatisfied").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Zufriedenheit" ("contentedness," "satisfaction"), "zufriedenstellen" ("to content," "to please"), "zufriedenstellend" ("satisfactory"), "sich mit etwas zufriedengeben" ("to settle for sth.," "to be content with sth."), "hochzufrieden" ("very, extremely pleased")

Synonyms:

"froh," "glücklich," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„zufrieden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/zufrieden>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich bin fröhlich und zufrieden.
  2. Lukas ist mit seinem neuen Auto sehr zufrieden.
  3. Tim ist ein zufriedener Mensch.
  4. Mit ihrem Leben als Studentin ist Alina hoch zufrieden.
  5. Ich bin mit der Wohnung zufrieden.
  1. I am happy and content.
  2. Lukas is with his new car very satisfied.
  3. Tim is a content person.
  4. With her life as a student, Alina is highly satisfied.
  5. I am satisfied with the apartment.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

TOP OF PAGE | COLLAPSE ALL

Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist zufrieden.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist mit CONTENT zufrieden.
  3. [zufrieden- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is content.
  2. EXPERIENCER is with CONTENT content.
  3. [content EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

content, satisfied

An Experiencer is "zufrieden" when they are happy and pleased with a situation and willing to accept it, rather than wanting something more / better. It is used like its English counterpart: the Experiencer typically appears as the subject of "sein" and the Content is expressed in a prepositional phrase headed by "mit" (dat. - "with"). This word can also be used as an adverb, for example, "Sie lächelt zufrieden" ("She smiles contentedly").

This word can combine with the prefix "un-" to convey an opposite meaning: "unzufrieden" ("discontent," "dissatisfied").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Zufriedenheit" ("contentedness," "satisfaction"), "zufriedenstellen" ("to content," "to please"), "zufriedenstellend" ("satisfactory"), "sich mit etwas zufriedengeben" ("to settle for sth.," "to be content with sth."), "hochzufrieden" ("very, extremely pleased")

Synonyms:

"froh," "glücklich," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„zufrieden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/zufrieden>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

zufriedener, am zufriedensten
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Details
Examples
Grammar Notes
Sentence Templates
Alternate Forms
See All Information
Angst, die noun fear

Details:

fear

"Die Angst" is a very common way to refer to "fear" and "being afraid," an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. German speakers don't use adjectives like "afraid" or "scared" as often as English speakers. Below are some examples that show how German and English differ.

English phrase German phrase lit. English translation
I'm afraid.Ich habe Angst.I have fear.
I get scared.Ich bekomme Angst. I receive fear.
He scares me.Er macht mir Angst.He makes (for) me fear.

 To express the Stimulus, use "vor" (dat.); this is what the Experiencer is afraid "of." "Um" (akk.) can introduce the Topic, what the Experiencer is afraid "for."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Angstgefühl" ("anxiety"), "der Angstanfall",  "die Angstattacke" (both: "anxiety attack"), "der Angsthase" (lit. "fear bunny," "coward"), "ängstlich" ("anxious," "afraid"), "die Flugangst" ("fear of flying"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Befürchtung," "die Beklemmung," "die Furcht," "die Beklommenheit," "der Bammel (Bammel haben, coll.)," "Muffensausen (Muffensausen haben, coll.)," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Angst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Angst>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das Kind hat Angst vor dem Monster unter seinem Bett.
  2. Tobias hat grosse Angst vor Katzen.
  3. Die Familien waren in Angst um ihre Leben.
  4. Der Angeklagte hatte Angst um seine Familie und wollte nichts sagen.
  5. Keine Angst!
  6. Das Licht ging aus und wir bekamen grosse Angst.
  7. Der Unbekannte machte Lorenz Angst.
  8. Du machst mir Angst!
  9.  Hab keine Angst!
  10. Ich habe Angst vor großen Hunden.
  1. The child has fear of the monster under its bed.
  2. Tobias has a great fear of cats.
  3. The Families were in fear for their lives.
  4. The defendant had fear for his family and didn't want to say anything.
  5. No fear! [Don't be afraid]
  6. The light went out and we received great fear. [became very afraid]
  7. The stranger made Lorenz afraid.
  8. You are scaring me!
  9. Don't be afraid!
  10. I am afraid of big dogs.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat/bekommt Angst.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat Angst vor STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER hat Angst um TOPIC.
  4. STIMULUS macht EXPERIENCER Angst.
  1. EXPERIENCER has/gets fear.
  2. EXPERIENCER has fear of STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER has fear for TOPIC.
  4. STIMULUS makes (for) EXPERIENCER fear.
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Details:

fear

"Die Angst" is a very common way to refer to "fear" and "being afraid," an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. German speakers don't use adjectives like "afraid" or "scared" as often as English speakers. Below are some examples that show how German and English differ.

English phrase German phrase lit. English translation
I'm afraid.Ich habe Angst.I have fear.
I get scared.Ich bekomme Angst. I receive fear.
He scares me.Er macht mir Angst.He makes (for) me fear.

 To express the Stimulus, use "vor" (dat.); this is what the Experiencer is afraid "of." "Um" (akk.) can introduce the Topic, what the Experiencer is afraid "for."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Angstgefühl" ("anxiety"), "der Angstanfall",  "die Angstattacke" (both: "anxiety attack"), "der Angsthase" (lit. "fear bunny," "coward"), "ängstlich" ("anxious," "afraid"), "die Flugangst" ("fear of flying"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Befürchtung," "die Beklemmung," "die Furcht," "die Beklommenheit," "der Bammel (Bammel haben, coll.)," "Muffensausen (Muffensausen haben, coll.)," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Angst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Angst>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Ängste
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ärgern verb to irritate

Details:

to irritate

This verb is used like its English equivalent refering to situations when someone or something makes the Experiencer annoyed or angry. The Stimulus is the subject of the sentence, and can be a person or something else, like someone's behavior.

When used with a reflexive pronoun, this verb changes its meaning from "to irritate" to "to get/be irritated," "to be angry (about)." The subject is then the Experiencer, and the preposition "über" (akk.) introduces the Stimulus.

For example: "Ich ärgere mich über die Situation." ("I am irritated about the situation.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Ärgernis" ("nuisance," "annoyance")

Synonyms:

in the sense of "so. / sth. annoys Experiencer:" "reizen," "belästigen," "jemandem zusetzen," "hänseln," "necken," "plagen," "piesacken" (coll.), among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„ärgern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%A4rgern>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Mein Bruder ärgert mich.
  2. Es ärgert mich, dass mein Mitbewohner nie aufräumt.
  3. Ihr Singen ärgert mich so sehr!
  4. Ich ärgere mich über das Wetter.
  5. Stefan ärgert sich darüber, dass sein Zug spät kommt.
  6. Warum ärgerst du dich? - Ich ärgere mich, weil das Wetter schlecht ist. 
  7. Warum schimpfst du denn so laut? – Ich ärgere mich über mein Auto. 
  1. My brother irritates me.
  2. It irritates me that my roommate never cleans up.
  3. Her singing irritates me so much!
  4. I am getting irritated about the weather.
  5. Stefan gets irritated about it, that his train comes late.
  6. Why are you angry? - I am angry because the weather is bad.
  7. Why are you grumbling so loudly? - I am angry about my car.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS ärgert EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER ärgert sich.
  3. EXPERIENCER ärgert sich über STIMULUS.
  1. STIMULUS irritates EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER is irritated.
  3. EXPERIENCER is irritated about STIMULUS.
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Details:

to irritate

This verb is used like its English equivalent refering to situations when someone or something makes the Experiencer annoyed or angry. The Stimulus is the subject of the sentence, and can be a person or something else, like someone's behavior.

When used with a reflexive pronoun, this verb changes its meaning from "to irritate" to "to get/be irritated," "to be angry (about)." The subject is then the Experiencer, and the preposition "über" (akk.) introduces the Stimulus.

For example: "Ich ärgere mich über die Situation." ("I am irritated about the situation.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Ärgernis" ("nuisance," "annoyance")

Synonyms:

in the sense of "so. / sth. annoys Experiencer:" "reizen," "belästigen," "jemandem zusetzen," "hänseln," "necken," "plagen," "piesacken" (coll.), among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„ärgern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%A4rgern>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) ärgert, ärgerte, hat geärgert; sich ärgern (über) (to be irritated, angry (about))
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aufregen verb to upset

Details:

to upset

Sometimes translated as "to excite," this word has a more negative connotation, as in "to agitate." The Simulus appears as subject, and the Experiencer is the direct object.

The reflexive use of the verb "aufregen" can be translated as "to get worked up" or "to work oneself up." When used in this way, the Experiencer appears as the grammatical subject, and the Stimulus can be expressed with "über" (akk.).

For example: "Er regt sich über seinen Chef auf." ("He is getting upset about his boss.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Aufregung" ("excitement," "fuss," "commotion," "agitation"), "die Aufgeregtheit" ("excitement")

Synonyms:

"ärgern," "jemanden gegen etw./jmdn. aufbringen," "empören," "erzürnen," "verstimmen," "in Weißglut bringen" (coll.); "sich empören," "sich in etw. hineinsteigern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„aufregen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/aufregen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die laute Musik regt die Nachbarn auf.
  2. Das mögliche Alkoholverbot hat die Leute aufgeregt.
  3. Reg dich nicht so auf!
  4. Alina regt sich über die neuen Regeln auf.
  5. Es regt mich auf, dass ich schon wieder Überstunden machen muss.
  6. Ganz ruhig! Bitte regen Sie sich nicht auf.
  7. Heute hast du eine Prüfung. Bist du schon aufgeregt?
  1. The loud music upsets the neighbors.
  2. The possible alcohol ban upsets the people.
  3. Don't work yourself up so much!
  4. Alina works herself up about the new rules.
  5. I am upset that I have to work overtime again.
  6. Be quiet! Please don't be upset.
  7. Today you have an exam. Are you already nervous?
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Grammar:

Verbs with Separable Prefixes

Some verbs have a prefix that moves around in the sentence, depending on what form the verb takes. You can expect the prefix to appear at the end of the sentence or clause, but whether the verb appears there with it depends on the rest of the sentence (tense, presence of a modal verb, etc.). In the infinitive form, the prefix is attached, like "ausgehen" ("to go out"). If the verb is conjugated (in present or simple past tense), the prefix appears at the end of the clause, as in "Ich gehe heute Abend aus" ("I am going out tonight"). The chart below shows several structural variants for these kinds of verbs. For more information, see the examples for individual verbs in the G-FOL or read these explanations from Grimm Grammar: present tense, conversational past tense (Perfekt).

Die erste Stelle (first position)V2 (verb 2nd)Rest (the rest of the info)am Ende (at the end)
Am Samstagabendgeheich mit Freundenaus.
Ichgingam Samstagabend mit Freunden aus.
Mit Freundenbinich am Samstagabendausgegangen.
Wanngeheich mit Freundenaus?
Ichkannnicht am Samstagabend mit Freunden ausgehen.

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS regt EXPERIENCER auf.
  2. EXPERIENCER regt sich auf.
  3. EXPERIENCER regt sich über STIMULUS auf.
  1. STIMULUS upsets EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER works himself up.
  3. EXPERIENCER works himself up about STIMULUS.
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Details:

to upset

Sometimes translated as "to excite," this word has a more negative connotation, as in "to agitate." The Simulus appears as subject, and the Experiencer is the direct object.

The reflexive use of the verb "aufregen" can be translated as "to get worked up" or "to work oneself up." When used in this way, the Experiencer appears as the grammatical subject, and the Stimulus can be expressed with "über" (akk.).

For example: "Er regt sich über seinen Chef auf." ("He is getting upset about his boss.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Aufregung" ("excitement," "fuss," "commotion," "agitation"), "die Aufgeregtheit" ("excitement")

Synonyms:

"ärgern," "jemanden gegen etw./jmdn. aufbringen," "empören," "erzürnen," "verstimmen," "in Weißglut bringen" (coll.); "sich empören," "sich in etw. hineinsteigern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„aufregen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/aufregen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) regt auf, regte auf, hat aufgeregt; sich aufregen (über)
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beneiden (jdn. um etw.) verb to envy

Details:

to envy

The verb "beneiden" is used like its English equivalent in situations when an Experiencer has a discontented or resentful longing aroused by another's possessions, qualities, or luck. This verb typically takes the Topic as a direct object and Content as a prepositional phrase with "um." Although the Content often belongs to the Topic (the person who is envied), German speakers tend to avoid possessive pronouns or genitive in favor of expressing the Topic as the direct object.

It is also possible for the Content to appear as direct object, or for the Topic appear without the Content. In the latter case, the Topic is somewhat vague and indicates a range of possible Contents.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beneidenswert" ("enviable")

Synonym:

"neidisch sein / werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beneiden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beneiden>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich beneide dich nicht.
  2. Frank beneidet andere um ihren Erfolg.
  3. Ella beneidet Frauen, die volle Lippen haben.
  4. Der Schüler beneidet das Testergebnis seiner Klassenkameradin.
  1. I don't envy you.
  2. Frank envies others for their success.
  3. Ella envies women who have full lips.
  4. The student envies the test score of his classmate.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER beneidet TOPIC.
  2. EXPERIENCER beneidet TOPIC um CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER beneidet CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER envies TOPIC.
  2. EXPERIENCER envies TOPIC for CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER envies CONTENT.
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Details:

to envy

The verb "beneiden" is used like its English equivalent in situations when an Experiencer has a discontented or resentful longing aroused by another's possessions, qualities, or luck. This verb typically takes the Topic as a direct object and Content as a prepositional phrase with "um." Although the Content often belongs to the Topic (the person who is envied), German speakers tend to avoid possessive pronouns or genitive in favor of expressing the Topic as the direct object.

It is also possible for the Content to appear as direct object, or for the Topic appear without the Content. In the latter case, the Topic is somewhat vague and indicates a range of possible Contents.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beneidenswert" ("enviable")

Synonym:

"neidisch sein / werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beneiden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beneiden>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) beneidet (jdn. um etw.), beneidete (jdn. um etw.), hat (jdn. um etw.) beneidet
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bereuen verb to regret

Details:

to regret

"Bereuen" refers to situations where an Experiencer feels or expresses sorrow, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. This verb is used much like its English counterpart, except when it comes to whole phrases that fill the role of Content. In English, a gerund is used (an "ing"-form), as in "I regret  having so little free time." In German, a "zu"-construction (aka Infinitivsatz) is used: "Ich bereue, so wenig Freizeit zu haben." Basically, you just take the verb that would be the gerund in English, put it in infinitive form, and place it at the end of the sentence, preceded by "zu." For further details on "zu"-constructions, see this page from Grimm Grammar.

It is also possible to begin a clause with "dass" if you don't want to use a "zu"-construction.

Further details:

Synonym:

"Reue empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„bereuen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/bereuen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich bereue meine Faulheit im ersten Semester an der Uni.
  2. Viele Menschen bereuen, nicht viel Zeit mit der Familie verbringen zu können.
  3. Man soll nichts machen, was man später bereuen könnte.
  4. Herr Roth bereut, seinen Lottogewinn so schnell ausgegeben zu haben.
  5. Angelika bereut, dass sie nicht auf die Party gehen konnte.
  1. I regret my laziness in the first semester at the university.
  2. Many people regret not being able to spend a lot of time with their family.
  3. One should do nothing that one could later regret.
  4. Mister Roth regrets having spent his lottery winnings so fast.
  5. Angelika regrets that she couldn't go to the party.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER bereut CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER regrets CONTENT.
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Details:

to regret

"Bereuen" refers to situations where an Experiencer feels or expresses sorrow, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. This verb is used much like its English counterpart, except when it comes to whole phrases that fill the role of Content. In English, a gerund is used (an "ing"-form), as in "I regret  having so little free time." In German, a "zu"-construction (aka Infinitivsatz) is used: "Ich bereue, so wenig Freizeit zu haben." Basically, you just take the verb that would be the gerund in English, put it in infinitive form, and place it at the end of the sentence, preceded by "zu." For further details on "zu"-constructions, see this page from Grimm Grammar.

It is also possible to begin a clause with "dass" if you don't want to use a "zu"-construction.

Further details:

Synonym:

"Reue empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„bereuen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/bereuen>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) bereut, bereute, hat bereut
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böse (auf jmdn. sein) adjective mad (at someone), angry

Details:

mad, angry (at someone)

In this frame, "böse" means "angry" or "mad" and that anger is typically directed at a person; in fact, the Stimulus is almost always a person or group of people. When mentioning the Stimulus in a sentence, there are a few different options: "auf" with accusative, "mit" (always with dative), or a dative object. See the sentence templates and examples.

Note that there is a different meaning when "böse" is used to describe a character trait: "mean" or "evil." These are significantly different meanings, but you should be able to tell which is intended based on the context. Look through the examples to see how the contexts differ.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"bitterböse auf jmdn. sein," "zornig, aufgebracht, erbost, empört sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„böse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/b%C3%B6se>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich bin dir böse.
  2. Ihr könnt nicht böse auf uns sein.
  3. Ich bin so böse auf die Regierung!
  4. Er hat mich gefragt, ob ich böse auf ihn bin, weil er nicht kommt.
  5. Kimmich machte plötzlich Fehler, böse aber war ihm niemand.
  6. Meine Mutter war danach sehr böse mit mir, weil ich erst um drei Uhr nach Hause gekommen bin.
  7. Aber dass Sie die Vietnamesen als Zigarettenhandler bezeichnen, als hätten sie Gewerbeschein und führten Gewerbesteuer ab, macht mich böse.
  8. Sie ist böse auf mich.
  1. I am mad at you.
  2. You all can't mad at us be.
  3. I am so mad at the government!
  4. He has me asked, if I am mad at him, because he's not coming.
  5. Kimmich made suddenly mistakes, but no one was mad at him.
  6. My mother was after that very angry with me, because I not until three o'clock home came.
  7. But that you characterize those Vietnamese as cigarette dealers, as thought they had trade licenses and paid taxes, makes me mad.
  8. She is angry with me.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist böse.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist böse auf STIMULUS.akkusativ.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist STIMULUS.dativ böse.
  4. EXPERIENCER ist böse mit STIMULUS.
  5. STIMULUS macht EXPERIENCER böse.
  1. EXPERIENCER is mad.
  2. EXPERIENCER is mad at STIMULUS.accusative.
  3. EXPERIENCER is STIMULUS.dative mad.
  4. EXPERIENCER is angry with STIMULUS.
  5. STIMULUS makes EXPERIENCER mad.
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Details:

mad, angry (at someone)

In this frame, "böse" means "angry" or "mad" and that anger is typically directed at a person; in fact, the Stimulus is almost always a person or group of people. When mentioning the Stimulus in a sentence, there are a few different options: "auf" with accusative, "mit" (always with dative), or a dative object. See the sentence templates and examples.

Note that there is a different meaning when "böse" is used to describe a character trait: "mean" or "evil." These are significantly different meanings, but you should be able to tell which is intended based on the context. Look through the examples to see how the contexts differ.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"bitterböse auf jmdn. sein," "zornig, aufgebracht, erbost, empört sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„böse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/b%C3%B6se>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

böser, am bösesten
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depressiv adjective depressed

Details:

depressed

Used as in English, this adjective describes people (Experiencers) or their moods as sad and low in spirits.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Depression" ("depression"), "die Depressivität"

Synonyms:

"niedergeschlagen," "gedrückt," "verstimmt," "freudlos," "gemütskrank"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„depressiv“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/depressiv>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Manche Mütter werden depressiv nach der Geburt des Kindes.
  2. Im ersten Jahr seines Studiums war Fabio schwer depressiv.
  3. Er ist ein depressiv veranlagter Mensch.
  4. Die Bilder stimmen die Besucher depressiv.
  5. Die depressiven Verstimmungen unter Schülern häufen sich.
  1. Some mothers become depressed after the birth of the child.
  2. In his first year of his study, Fabio was severely depressed.
  3. He is a depressed dispositional person. [He is a persion with a depressive disposition.]
  4. The pictures make the visitors depressed.
  5. The depressive mood among pupils increase.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist depressiv.
  2. [depressiv- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is depressed.
  2. [depressed EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

depressed

Used as in English, this adjective describes people (Experiencers) or their moods as sad and low in spirits.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Depression" ("depression"), "die Depressivität"

Synonyms:

"niedergeschlagen," "gedrückt," "verstimmt," "freudlos," "gemütskrank"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„depressiv“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/depressiv>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

depressiver, am depressivsten
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eifersüchtig adjective jealous

Details:

jealous

An Experiencer is "eifersüchtig" when they are feeling or showing suspicion of a partner's unfaithfulness, or if they envy someone's success, etc. It is used like its English equivalent. The Content  /  Topic is expressed in a phrase with "auf" (akk.). 

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Eifersucht" ("jealousy")

Synonym:

"neidisch"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„eifersüchtig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/eifers%C3%BCchtig>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Du darfst nicht eifersüchtig sein.
  2. Leonies Freunde sind eifersüchtig auf ihren Erfolg.
  3. Selina beruhigt ihren eifersüchtigen Freund.
  4. Die Schauspielerin war etwas eifersüchtig auf ihre eigenen Töchter.
  5. Eifersüchtiges Überwachen ist nicht gesund in einer Liebesbeziehung.
  1. You should not be jealous.
  2. Leonie's friends are jealous of her success.
  3. Selina reassures her jealous boyfriend.
  4. The actress was somewhat jealous of her own daughters.
  5. Jealous surveillance is not healthy in a love relationship.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist eifersüchtig.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist eifersüchtig auf CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist eifersüchtig auf TOPIC.
  4. [eifersüchtig- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is jealous.
  2. EXPERIENCER is jealous of CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER is jealous of TOPIC.
  4. [jealous EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

jealous

An Experiencer is "eifersüchtig" when they are feeling or showing suspicion of a partner's unfaithfulness, or if they envy someone's success, etc. It is used like its English equivalent. The Content  /  Topic is expressed in a phrase with "auf" (akk.). 

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Eifersucht" ("jealousy")

Synonym:

"neidisch"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„eifersüchtig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/eifers%C3%BCchtig>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

eifersüchtiger, am eifersüchtigsten
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einschüchtern verb to intimidate

Details:

to intimidate

This verb is used like the English equivalent in situations when someone or something frightens or overawes the Experiencer. It often occurs with "lassen" ("to let") and a reflexive pronoun, forming phrases like "Ich lasse mich nicht einschüchtern" ("I do not let myself be intimidated"). For more information about how to use this construction, see the last section on this page in Grimm Grammar.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Einschüchterung" ("intimidation")

Synonyms:

"jemanden in Angst versetzen," "ängstigen," "verängstigen," "beängstigen," "abschrecken," "verschrecken," "demoralisieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„einschüchtern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/einsch%C3%BCchtern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Er will uns nur einschüchtern.
  2. Die Regierung schüchtert Journalisten ein.
  3. Der Innenminister appelliert an die Bürger, sich nicht einschüchtern zu lassen.
  4. Menschen, die andere einschüchtern oder bedrohen, gehören nicht an diese Universität. 
  1. He only wants to intimidate us.
  2. The government intimidates Journalists.
  3. The minister of the interior calls on the citizens, not to let themselves be intimidated.
  4. People who others intimidate or threaten, don't belong at this university.
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Grammar:

Verbs with Separable Prefixes

Some verbs have a prefix that moves around in the sentence, depending on what form the verb takes. You can expect the prefix to appear at the end of the sentence or clause, but whether the verb appears there with it depends on the rest of the sentence (tense, presence of a modal verb, etc.). In the infinitive form, the prefix is attached, like "ausgehen" ("to go out"). If the verb is conjugated (in present or simple past tense), the prefix appears at the end of the clause, as in "Ich gehe heute Abend aus" ("I am going out tonight"). The chart below shows several structural variants for these kinds of verbs. For more information, see the examples for individual verbs in the G-FOL or read these explanations from Grimm Grammar: present tense, conversational past tense (Perfekt).

Die erste Stelle (first position)V2 (verb 2nd)Rest (the rest of the info)am Ende (at the end)
Am Samstagabendgeheich mit Freundenaus.
Ichgingam Samstagabend mit Freunden aus.
Mit Freundenbinich am Samstagabendausgegangen.
Wanngeheich mit Freundenaus?
Ichkannnicht am Samstagabend mit Freunden ausgehen.

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS schüchtert EXPERIENCER ein.
  1. STIMULUS intimidates EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to intimidate

This verb is used like the English equivalent in situations when someone or something frightens or overawes the Experiencer. It often occurs with "lassen" ("to let") and a reflexive pronoun, forming phrases like "Ich lasse mich nicht einschüchtern" ("I do not let myself be intimidated"). For more information about how to use this construction, see the last section on this page in Grimm Grammar.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Einschüchterung" ("intimidation")

Synonyms:

"jemanden in Angst versetzen," "ängstigen," "verängstigen," "beängstigen," "abschrecken," "verschrecken," "demoralisieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„einschüchtern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/einsch%C3%BCchtern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) schüchtert ein, schüchterte ein, hat eingeschüchtert
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entsetzt adjective horrified

Details:

horrified

Used like its English counterpart in situations when an Experiencer is shocked or dismayed.

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„entsetzen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entsetzen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die Demonstranten sind entsetzt über das Ausmaß an Gewalt gegen Frauen und Kinder.
  2. Als mir das mitgeteilt wurde, war ich entsetzt und schockiert.
  1. The demonstraters are horrified about the extent of violence against women and children.
  2. When I was informed about that, I was horrified and shocked.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist/wird entsetzt.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist entsetzt über STIMULUS.
  3. [entsetzt- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is/becomes horrified.
  2. EXPERIENCER is horrified about STIMULUS.
  3. [horrified EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

horrified

Used like its English counterpart in situations when an Experiencer is shocked or dismayed.

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„entsetzen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entsetzen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

entsetzter, am entsetztesten
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enttäuschen verb to disappoint

Details:

to disappoint

Used just like English "to disappoint" to say that someone or something fails to fulfil the hopes or expectations of an Experiencer. The Stimulus is the subject of "enttäuschen" and the Experiencer is the direct object (accusative), e.g. "Das Buch hat mich enttäuscht." ("The book disappointed me.").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Enttäuschung" ("disappointment"), "enttäuschend" ("disappointing")

Synonyms:

"deprimieren," "desillusionieren," "entmutigen," "frustrieren"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das Match enttäuschte die Fans.
  2. Anton enttäuscht seine Mutter, indem er schlechte Noten bekommt.
  3. Leider hat mich sein Verhalten enttäuscht.
  4. Wir waren von dem Konzert sehr enttäuscht.
  5. Das Ergebnis war enttäuschend.
  1. The match disappointed the fans.
  2. Anton disappoints his mother, in that he gets bad grades.
  3. Unfortunately has his behaviour disappointed me.
  4. We were very disappointed by the concert.
  5. The result was disappointing.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS enttäuscht EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS disappoints EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to disappoint

Used just like English "to disappoint" to say that someone or something fails to fulfil the hopes or expectations of an Experiencer. The Stimulus is the subject of "enttäuschen" and the Experiencer is the direct object (accusative), e.g. "Das Buch hat mich enttäuscht." ("The book disappointed me.").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Enttäuschung" ("disappointment"), "enttäuschend" ("disappointing")

Synonyms:

"deprimieren," "desillusionieren," "entmutigen," "frustrieren"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) enttäuscht, enttäuschte, hat enttäuscht
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enttäuschend adjective disappointing, underwhelming, unfruitful

Details:

disappointing, underwhelmning, unfruitful

"Enttäuschend" is the present participle of the verb "enttäuschen" ("to disappoint"). German speakers use it to refer to a Stimulus, Content or Topic for which an Experiencer had positive expectations that were not met. It is used as its English equivalents. 

Further details:

Synonyms:

"frustrierend," "deprimierend," "ernüchternd"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 24.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das Ergebnis war enttäuschend.
  2. Die Begegnung mit Frau Dornepp war enttäuschend.
  3. Familie Wildnitz fand das Ferienhaus enttäuschend.
  4. Es ist sehr enttäuschend für uns, dass er nicht gekommen ist.
  5. Ich finde, das war ein enttäuschendes Buch.
  6. Unehrlichkeit ist ein enttäschender Charakterzug. 
  1. The result was disappointing.
  2. The meeting with Ms. Dornepp was disappointing.
  3. Family Wildnitz found the vacation home disappointing.
  4. It is very disappointing for us that he didn't come.
  5. I think this was a disappointing book.
  6. Dishonesty is a disappointing character trait.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS ist enttäuschend.
  2. CONTENT ist enttäuschend.
  3. TOPIC ist enttäuschend.
  4. [enttäuschend- STIMULUS]
  5. [enttäuschend- CONTENT]
  6. [enttäuschend- TOPIC]
  1. STIMULUS is disappointing.
  2. CONTENT is disappointing.
  3. TOPIC is disappointing.
  4. [disappointing STIMULUS]
  5. [disappointing CONTENT]
  6. [disappointing TOPIC]
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Details:

disappointing, underwhelmning, unfruitful

"Enttäuschend" is the present participle of the verb "enttäuschen" ("to disappoint"). German speakers use it to refer to a Stimulus, Content or Topic for which an Experiencer had positive expectations that were not met. It is used as its English equivalents. 

Further details:

Synonyms:

"frustrierend," "deprimierend," "ernüchternd"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„enttäuschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/entt%C3%A4uschen>, abgerufen am 24.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

enttäuschender, am enttäuschendsten
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Enttäuschung, die noun disappointment, frustration

Details:

disappointment, frustration

Like in English, "die Enttäuschung" refers to a not fulfilled expection  and / or a destroyed hope of an Experiencer. It is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation:

"enttäuschungsreich" (lit. "disappointment-rich," "disappointing")

Synonyms:

"die Desillusion," "der Frust," "die Frustration," "die Ernüchterung," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Enttäuschung“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Entt%C3%A4uschung>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Jedes Kind erlebt Enttäuschungen und Verletzungen.
  2. Das Endspiel war eine große Enttäuschung.
  3. Leon konnte die Enttäuschung über die Niederlage nicht verbergen.
  4. Die Enttäuschung über die ablehnende Haltung der Ärzte ist groß.
  1. Every child experiences disappointments and hurt.
  2. The endgame was a huge disappointment.
  3. Leon couldn't hide the disappointment about the defeat.
  4. The disappointment about the dismissive attitude of the doctors is great.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER erlebt eine Enttäuschung.
  2. [Enttäuschung über STIMULUS / CONTENT / TOPIC]
  1. EXPERIENCER experiences a disappointment.
  2. [disappointment about STIMULUS / CONTENT / TOPIC]
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Details:

disappointment, frustration

Like in English, "die Enttäuschung" refers to a not fulfilled expection  and / or a destroyed hope of an Experiencer. It is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation:

"enttäuschungsreich" (lit. "disappointment-rich," "disappointing")

Synonyms:

"die Desillusion," "der Frust," "die Frustration," "die Ernüchterung," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Enttäuschung“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Entt%C3%A4uschung>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Enttäuschungen
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fürchten verb to fear

Details:

to fear, to be afraid of

The verb "fürchten" is used as its English equivalents when an Experiencer is afraid of something or someone, when they feel anxiety. It is sometimes translated as "to dread." See also "die Angst" ("fear").

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Furcht / Angst vor jmdm. / etwas haben"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„fürchten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/f%C3%BCrchten>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Der Zeuge fürchtet um sein Leben.
  2. Melina fürchtete, ihren Pass zu verlieren.
  3. Die Eltern fürchten um ihr Geld.
  4. Die Veranstalter fürchten eine Verwässerung der Standards.
  5. Sie braucht sich nicht mehr vor dem Sterben zu fürchten.
  6. Sie fürchtet sich vor Schlangen.
  1. The witness fears for his life.
  2. Melina fears losing her passport.
  3. The parents fear for their money.
  4. The organizers fear a watering-down of the standards.
  5. She needs no more to fear death.
  6. She is afraid of snakes.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER fürchtet STIMULUS.
  2. EXPERIENCER fürchtet um TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER fürchtet sich vor STIMULUS.dative.
  1. EXPERIENCER fears STIMULUS.
  2. EXPERIENCER fears for TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER fears STIMULUS.
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Details:

to fear, to be afraid of

The verb "fürchten" is used as its English equivalents when an Experiencer is afraid of something or someone, when they feel anxiety. It is sometimes translated as "to dread." See also "die Angst" ("fear").

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Furcht / Angst vor jmdm. / etwas haben"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„fürchten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/f%C3%BCrchten>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) fürchtet, fürchtete, hat gefürchtet
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Mitleid, das noun sympathy

Details:

sympathy, pity; lit. "with-sorrow"

An Experiencer has "(das) Mitleid" when they feel sorrow and compassion caused by the sufferings of others. It is used like the English equivalent; the Stimulus can be realized following either "mit" (dat.) or "für" (akk.).

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Word formation:

"mitleiderregend / Mitleid erregend" ("pitiful," "pathetic"), "mitleidig" ("pitying," "compassionate"), "mitleidlos" ("pitiless," "merciless," "ruthless"), "das Selbstmitleid" ("self-pity")

Synonyms:

"die Anteilnahme," "das Bedauern," "das Mitgefühl"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Mitleid“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Mitleid>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Livia will kein Mitleid.
  2. Langsam erregte Tanja das Mitleid ihres Lehrers.
  3. Nach dem Feuer geht es meinen Nachbarn gar nicht gut; ich habe Mitleid für ihre Lage.
  4. Trotz allem, was passierte, hatte Dario noch Mitleid mit dem Verbrecher.
  5. Manche Soldaten hatten ein bisschen Mitleid mit den Kriegsgefangenen.
  6. Polizisten empfinden kein Mitleid für Autofahrer, die nicht auf die Verkehrsregeln achten.
  1. Livia wants no pity.
  2. Slowly, Tanja inspired her teacher's sympathy.
  3. After the fire, it's not going well at all for my neighbors; I have sympathy for their situation.
  4. Despite everything that happened, Dario still had sympathy for the criminal.
  5. Some soldiers had a little sympathy for the prisoners of war.
  6. Policemen feel no sympathy for drivers who don't pay attention to traffic rules.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Mitleid.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat Mitleid mit STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER has sympathy.
  2. EXPERIENCER has sympathy for STIMULUS.
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Details:

sympathy, pity; lit. "with-sorrow"

An Experiencer has "(das) Mitleid" when they feel sorrow and compassion caused by the sufferings of others. It is used like the English equivalent; the Stimulus can be realized following either "mit" (dat.) or "für" (akk.).

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Word formation:

"mitleiderregend / Mitleid erregend" ("pitiful," "pathetic"), "mitleidig" ("pitying," "compassionate"), "mitleidlos" ("pitiless," "merciless," "ruthless"), "das Selbstmitleid" ("self-pity")

Synonyms:

"die Anteilnahme," "das Bedauern," "das Mitgefühl"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Mitleid“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Mitleid>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

no plural, only used in singular
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neidisch adjective envious

Details:

envious

The adjective "neidisch" is used when an Experiencer feels or shows envy toward someone or something. It is used like its English counterpart. To express the Topic a person is envious "of," use "auf" (akk.). This is typically another person.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"von Neid erfüllt / neiderfüllt," "missgünstig," "eifersüchtig," "scheel" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„neidisch“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/neidisch>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Lukas ist neidisch auf seinen besten Freund.
  2. Karin ist neidisch auf Lena, weil sie ein neues Auto hat.
  3. Jürgen schaut ein bisschen neidisch auf den Anzug seines Nachbarn.
  4. Ich beobachte neidisch, wie das Kind auf den Baum klettert.
  5. Der neidische Kollege wusste, dass Sabine mehr Geld verdiente als er.
  1. Lukas is envious of his best friend.
  2. Karin is envious of Lena, because she has a new car.
  3. Jürgen looks a little bit enviously at the suit of his neighbor.
  4. I observe enviously how the child climbs on the tree.
  5. The envious colleague knew that Sabine earned more money than he.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist neidisch.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist neidisch auf TOPIC.accusative.
  3. [neidisch- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is envious.
  2. EXPERIENCER is envious of TOPIC.
  3. [envious EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

envious

The adjective "neidisch" is used when an Experiencer feels or shows envy toward someone or something. It is used like its English counterpart. To express the Topic a person is envious "of," use "auf" (akk.). This is typically another person.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"von Neid erfüllt / neiderfüllt," "missgünstig," "eifersüchtig," "scheel" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„neidisch“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/neidisch>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

neidischer, am neidischsten
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Nerven: jdm. auf die Nerven gehen multi-word expression to get on s.o.'s nerves

Details:

to get on someone's nerves

Used like its English equivalent to say that something or someone is becoming really annoying to the Experiencer. In German, however, the Experiencer appears in dative rather than as a possessive.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"jmdn. nerven," "jmdm. auf den Keks gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Senkel gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Zeiger gehen" (coll.),  "jmdm. lästig werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„auf die Nerven gehen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/auf%20die%20Nerven%20gehen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Dieses Lied geht mir auf die Nerven.
  2. Adrian geht ihr auf die Nerven.
  3. Wenn mir ein Journalist auf die Nerven geht, kann ich sofort reagieren.
  4. Er will den Leuten nicht auf die Nerven gehen.
  1. This song gets on my nerves.
  2. Adrian gets on her nerves.
  3. If a journalist gets on  my nerves, I can immediately react.
  4. He doesn't want to get  on the people's nerves.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS geht EXPERIENCER.dative auf die Nerven.
  1. STIMULUS gets EXPERIENCER on the nerves.
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Details:

to get on someone's nerves

Used like its English equivalent to say that something or someone is becoming really annoying to the Experiencer. In German, however, the Experiencer appears in dative rather than as a possessive.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"jmdn. nerven," "jmdm. auf den Keks gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Senkel gehen" (coll.), "jmdm. auf den Zeiger gehen" (coll.),  "jmdm. lästig werden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„auf die Nerven gehen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/auf%20die%20Nerven%20gehen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) geht jdm. auf die Nerven, ging jdm. auf die Nerven, ist jdm. auf die Nerven gegangen
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nervös adjective nervous

Details:

nervous

An Experiencer is "nervös" when they are easily agitated, alarmed, or anxious. It is used like the English equivalent. Can also function as an adverb. Stimulus is typically expressed with "wegen" (gen.), "because of."

Further details:

Word formation:

"hypernervös" ("extremely nervous"), "übernervös" ("overanxious"), "die Nervosität" ("nervousness," "jumpiness," "flurry," "excitement")

Synonyms:

"reizbar," "gereizt," "erregbar," "unruhig," "zerfahren," "ruhelos," "kribbelig," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„nervös“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/nerv%C3%B6s>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die Studenten sind alle nervös wegen des großen Examens.
  2. Hannah war ziemlich nervös vor der Prüfung.
  3. Daniel macht mich nervös, wenn er mich so anstarrt.
  4. Bei Prüfungen bin ich immer sehr nervös.
  1. The students are all nervous because of the big exam.
  2. Hannah was pretty nervous before the test.
  3. Daniel makes me nervous, when he stares at me like that.
  4. When I have exams I am always very nervous.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist nervös.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist nervös wegen STIMULUS.
  3. [nervös- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is nervous.
  2. EXPERIENCER is nervous because of STIMULUS.
  3. [nervous EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

nervous

An Experiencer is "nervös" when they are easily agitated, alarmed, or anxious. It is used like the English equivalent. Can also function as an adverb. Stimulus is typically expressed with "wegen" (gen.), "because of."

Further details:

Word formation:

"hypernervös" ("extremely nervous"), "übernervös" ("overanxious"), "die Nervosität" ("nervousness," "jumpiness," "flurry," "excitement")

Synonyms:

"reizbar," "gereizt," "erregbar," "unruhig," "zerfahren," "ruhelos," "kribbelig," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„nervös“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/nerv%C3%B6s>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

nervöser, am nervösesten
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schämen: sich (akk.) schämen verb to feel ashamed

Details:

to feel ashamed

German speakers use the verb "sich schämen" in the same way as English speakers use "to be ashamed:" when Experiencers feel embarrassed or guilty because of their actions, their surrounding or their characteristics. The subject of this reflexive verb is the Experiencer, and the Stimulus appears in genitive case. The preposition "wegen" can also indicate the Stimulus (genitive is the accepted case, but this is sometimes seen with dative).

Ashamedness is often associated with the presence of a particular person or people; use the preposition "vor" (dat.) to say "in front of." If a person feels ashamed for another, "für" (akk.) is used, and this functions as Topic. A zu-construction (Infinitivsatz) can also be used to convey a Topic or Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beschämen" ("to humiliate so.," "to put so. to shame"), "die Scham" ("shame")

Synonym:

"Scham empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schämen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sch%C3%A4men>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Leon schämte sich wegen seines schlechten Verhaltens.
  2. Peter schämt sich für seinen Freund.
  3. Ich schäme mich oft vor meinem Therapeuten.
  4. Schämst du dich nicht?
  5. Er schämt sich, Schweizer zu sein, wegen des Erfolgs der Volksinitiative gegen Masseneinwanderung.
  1. Leon felt ashamed because of his bad behavior.
  2. Peter feels ashamed for his friend.
  3. I often feel ashamed in front of my therapist.
  4. Don't you feel ashamed?
  5. He feels ashamed to be Swiss because of the success of the people's initiative against mass immigration.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER schämt sich.accusative
  2. EXPERIENCER schämt sich STIMULUS.genitive.
  3. EXPERIENCER schämt sich wegen STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER feels ashamed.
  2. EXPERIENCER feels ashamed of STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER feels ashamed because of STIMULUS.
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Details:

to feel ashamed

German speakers use the verb "sich schämen" in the same way as English speakers use "to be ashamed:" when Experiencers feel embarrassed or guilty because of their actions, their surrounding or their characteristics. The subject of this reflexive verb is the Experiencer, and the Stimulus appears in genitive case. The preposition "wegen" can also indicate the Stimulus (genitive is the accepted case, but this is sometimes seen with dative).

Ashamedness is often associated with the presence of a particular person or people; use the preposition "vor" (dat.) to say "in front of." If a person feels ashamed for another, "für" (akk.) is used, and this functions as Topic. A zu-construction (Infinitivsatz) can also be used to convey a Topic or Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"beschämen" ("to humiliate so.," "to put so. to shame"), "die Scham" ("shame")

Synonym:

"Scham empfinden"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schämen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sch%C3%A4men>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) schämt sich, schämte sich, hat sich geschämt
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schockieren verb to shock

Details:

to shock

The verb "schockieren is used like English "to shock" in situations when a Stimulus causes the Experiencer to feel surprised and upset. Used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Schock" ("shock," "jolt"), "schockierend" ("shocking")

Synonyms:

"erschrecken," "erschüttern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schockieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/schockieren>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Der Skandal schockiert die Nation.
  2. Die Nachricht schockierte die Bürger.
  3. Am Anfang sind alle total schockiert gewesen.
  4. Das Verbrechen hat ihn zutiefst schockiert.
  5. Die Telekom schockierte mit der Nachricht von 7 Milliarden Euro Verlust.
  1. The scandal shocks the nation.
  2. The news shocked the citizens.
  3. In the beginning were all totally shocked.
  4. The crime deeply shocked him.
  5. The Telekom shocked with the announcement of 7 billion euros loss.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS schockiert EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS shocks EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to shock

The verb "schockieren is used like English "to shock" in situations when a Stimulus causes the Experiencer to feel surprised and upset. Used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Schock" ("shock," "jolt"), "schockierend" ("shocking")

Synonyms:

"erschrecken," "erschüttern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„schockieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/schockieren>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) schockiert, schockierte, hat schockiert
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Sorge, die: sich (dat.) Sorgen machen (um) multi-word expression to worry

Details:

to worry (about), lit. to make (for) oneself worries

Like in English, "sich Sorgen machen" is used when an Experiencer feels troubled over actual or potential difficulties, i.e. the Experiencer expresses concern for a Topic or Content. Since what one worries about hasn't actually happened, it cannot be a Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Sorgenfalte" ("worry line"), "das Sorgenkind" ("problem child"), "sorglos" ("careless," "carefree"), among others

Synonyms:

"sich sorgen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "beunruhigt sein," "sich Kummer machen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Sorge“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Sorge>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„machen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/machen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 01.06.2022.

 

The words "die Sorge," "sorgen" and the phrase "sich Sorgen machen" are part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Jasmin macht sich Sorgen um die Zukunft.
  2. Stefans Mutter macht sich Sorgen um seine Gesundheit.
  3. Claudia macht sich Sorgen, dass sie die Prüfung nicht bestehen wird.
  4. Mach dir bitte keine Sorgen.
  5. Keine Sorge. Es wird schon klappen!
  6. Um Ihre Zukunft brauchen Sie sich keine Sorgen zu machen.
  1. Jasmin worries about the future.
  2. Stefan's mother worries about his health.
  3. Claudia worries that she won't pass the test.
  4. Please don't worry.
  5. No worries. It will work out!
  6. About your future you don't have to worry.
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Grammar:

Reflexive Verbs and Pronouns

Verbs that are used reflexively often carry a reciprocal meaning or the meaning that the subject is performing the action of the verb on themself, although some abstract verbs are used reflexively without such meanings. In any case, the reflexive pronouns and word order are the same. As a general rule, the reflexive pronoun should appear just after the subject, although the V2 rule trumps this one, so in a basic sentence, you will find: subject, verb, reflexive (e.g. "Er verliebt sich in Melanie," "He is falling in love with Melanie"). For further examples, consult the Examples sections of reflexive verbs. Click here for further explanation.

NominativAkkusativDativ
ichmichmir
dudichdir
er/sie/essichsich
wirunsuns
ihreucheuch
sie/Siesichsich
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER macht sich Sorgen.
  2. EXPERIENCER macht sich Sorgen um TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER macht sich Sorgen, dass CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER worries.
  2. EXPERIENCER worries about TOPIC.
  3. EXPERIENCER worries that CONTENT.
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Details:

to worry (about), lit. to make (for) oneself worries

Like in English, "sich Sorgen machen" is used when an Experiencer feels troubled over actual or potential difficulties, i.e. the Experiencer expresses concern for a Topic or Content. Since what one worries about hasn't actually happened, it cannot be a Stimulus.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Sorgenfalte" ("worry line"), "das Sorgenkind" ("problem child"), "sorglos" ("careless," "carefree"), among others

Synonyms:

"sich sorgen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "beunruhigt sein," "sich Kummer machen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Sorge“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Sorge>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„machen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/machen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 01.06.2022.

 

The words "die Sorge," "sorgen" and the phrase "sich Sorgen machen" are part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) macht sich Sorgen (um), machte sich Sorgen (um), hat sich Sorgen (um) gemacht
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sorgen: sich sorgen (um etwas / jemanden) verb to worry about so. / sth., to fret, to distress oneself

Details:

to worry about so. / sth., to fret, to distress oneself

German "sich um etwas / jemanden sorgen" means that an Experiencer has feelings of anxiety or unease about some Content or Stimulus. Note that the verb "sorgen" in this frame is used reflexively, often with the preposition "um" (with accusative) heading the phrase containing an issue or person that is the Content or Stimulus. Otherwise, it is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation: 

"fürsorgend," "fürsorglich" (both: "caring"), "umsorgen" ("to shephard so."), "vorsorgen" ("to provide for sth.," "to look ahead")

Synonyms:

"sich Sorgen machen," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Kummer machen," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Corinna sorgt sich um ihren Vater.
  2. Ich sorge mich ein bisschen, denn er sollte schon lange hier sein.
  3. Deswegen brauchst du dich nicht zu sorgen.
  4. In Deutschland sorgt man sich um das Bienensterben.
  1. Corinna worries about her father.
  2. I worry a bit because he should be here already for a long time.
  3. For that reason you don't have to worry.
  4. In Germany one worries about the dying of the bees.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER sorgt sich.
  2. EXPERIENCER sorgt sich um CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER worries.
  2. EXPERIENCER worries about CONTENT.
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Details:

to worry about so. / sth., to fret, to distress oneself

German "sich um etwas / jemanden sorgen" means that an Experiencer has feelings of anxiety or unease about some Content or Stimulus. Note that the verb "sorgen" in this frame is used reflexively, often with the preposition "um" (with accusative) heading the phrase containing an issue or person that is the Content or Stimulus. Otherwise, it is used as in English.

Further details:

Word formation: 

"fürsorgend," "fürsorglich" (both: "caring"), "umsorgen" ("to shephard so."), "vorsorgen" ("to provide for sth.," "to look ahead")

Synonyms:

"sich Sorgen machen," "sich Gedanken machen," "sich beunruhigen," "in Sorge sein," "sich Kummer machen," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„sorgen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/sorgen>, abgerufen am 27.06.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) sorgt sich (um etw./jmdn.), sorgte sich (um etw./jmdn.), hat sich (um etw./jmdn.) gesorgt
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traurig adjective sad

Details:

sad

"Traurig" is used when an Experiencer is unhappy or feels sorrow, or when a Stimulus causes sorrow or regret. Just as with English "sad," "traurig" can be used to describe a variety of things that are not people, as in "ein trauriges Buch," "ein trauriger Tag," etc. When it is applied to an Experiencer, the preposition "über" expresses what someone is sad "about" (the Stimulus).

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Traurigkeit" ("sadness"), "tieftraurig," "todtraurig" (both: "very sad")

Synonyms:

"von Trauer erfüllt," "betrübt," "kummervoll," "getrübt," "bedrückt," "freudlich," "unglücklich"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„traurig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/traurig>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Steffi ist immer traurig.
  2. Martin wurde traurig über den Tod seines Hundes.
  3. Es macht mich traurig, dass ich in den Ferien nicht nach Hause fahren kann.
  4. Ich bin sehr traurig. Meine Katze ist weggelaufen.
  1. Steffi is always sad.
  2. Martin became sad about the death of his dog.
  3. It makes me sad that I can't go home during vacation.
  4. I am very sad. My cat ran away.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist traurig.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist traurig über STIMULUS.accusative.
  3. [traurig- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is sad.
  2. EXPERIENCER is sad about STIMULUS.
  3. [sad EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

sad

"Traurig" is used when an Experiencer is unhappy or feels sorrow, or when a Stimulus causes sorrow or regret. Just as with English "sad," "traurig" can be used to describe a variety of things that are not people, as in "ein trauriges Buch," "ein trauriger Tag," etc. When it is applied to an Experiencer, the preposition "über" expresses what someone is sad "about" (the Stimulus).

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Traurigkeit" ("sadness"), "tieftraurig," "todtraurig" (both: "very sad")

Synonyms:

"von Trauer erfüllt," "betrübt," "kummervoll," "getrübt," "bedrückt," "freudlich," "unglücklich"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„traurig“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/traurig>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

trauriger, am traurigsten
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überraschen verb to surprise

Details:

to surprise

Used like its English equivalent to say that a Stimulus causes an Experiencer to feel surprise.

Further details:

Word formation:

"überraschend" ("surprisingly")

Synonyms:

"erstaunen," "verblüffen," "frappieren," "verdutzen," "verwundern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„überraschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%BCberraschen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Du überraschst mich!
  2. Levi überrascht seine Mutter mit einem schönen Geschenk.
  3. Das Ergebnis des Experiments überraschte den Physiker.
  4. Ich bin ganz überrascht, dass die Wohnung so billig ist.
  1. You surprise me!
  2. Levi surprises his mother with a beautiful gift.
  3. The results of the experiment surprised the physicist.
  4. I am very surprised that the apartment is so cheap.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS überrascht EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS surprises EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to surprise

Used like its English equivalent to say that a Stimulus causes an Experiencer to feel surprise.

Further details:

Word formation:

"überraschend" ("surprisingly")

Synonyms:

"erstaunen," "verblüffen," "frappieren," "verdutzen," "verwundern"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„überraschen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/%C3%BCberraschen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) überrascht, überraschte, hat überrascht
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vermissen verb to miss

Details:

to miss

The verb "vermissen" refers to a situation when an Experiencer feels sad because they no longer have something or someone, or cannot do an activity, have an experience anymore. It is used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Synonym:

"fehlen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„vermissen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/vermissen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Nena vermisst ihre Familie und Freunde.
  2. Ich vermisse dich.
  3. Klaus vermisste Texas, während er in Österreich war.
  4. Ich vermisse meine Familie.
  1. Nena misses her family and friends.
  2. I miss you.
  3. Klaus missed Texas, while he was in Austria.
  4. I miss my family.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER vermisst CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER misses CONTENT.
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Details:

to miss

The verb "vermissen" refers to a situation when an Experiencer feels sad because they no longer have something or someone, or cannot do an activity, have an experience anymore. It is used like its English equivalent.

Further details:

Synonym:

"fehlen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„vermissen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/vermissen>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) vermisst, vermisste, hat vermisst
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verzweifelt adjective desperate

Details:

desperate

This is a paricipial adjective derived from the intransitive verb "verzweifeln (an)" ("to despair (of)," "to give up (on)"). It conveys the meaning that someone (an Experiencer) is desparate, hopeless, defeated. It can also be used as an adverb ("desperately").

This adjective also frequently describes a situation ("eine Situation") or an attempt ("einen Versuch") that is desperate from the point of view of an Experiencer.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"hoffnungslos," "ausweglos," "desperat"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„verzweifelt“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/verzweifelt>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Leon hat keine Hoffnung mehr; er ist verzweifelt.
  2. Nachdem ich beim Test durchgefallen bin, war ich total verzweifelt.
  3. Der verzweifelte Mann wollte aus dem Fenster springen, aber die Polizei brachte ihn von seinem Vorhaben ab.
  4. Seit Tagen läuft die verzweifelte Suche nach Verschütteten.
  1. Leon has no hope anymore; he is desperate.
  2. After I failed the test, I was totally desperate.
  3. The desperate man wanted to jump out of the window, but the police talked him out of his plan.
  4. For days the desperate search for buried people is going on.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist verzweifelt.
  2. [verzweifelt- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is desparate.
  2. [desparate EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

desperate

This is a paricipial adjective derived from the intransitive verb "verzweifeln (an)" ("to despair (of)," "to give up (on)"). It conveys the meaning that someone (an Experiencer) is desparate, hopeless, defeated. It can also be used as an adverb ("desperately").

This adjective also frequently describes a situation ("eine Situation") or an attempt ("einen Versuch") that is desperate from the point of view of an Experiencer.

Further details:

Synonyms:

"hoffnungslos," "ausweglos," "desperat"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„verzweifelt“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/verzweifelt>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

verzweifelter, am verzweifeltsten
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wütend adjective angry

Details:

angry

This word is used like its English counterpart when an Experiencer feels and shows anger. It can also be used as an adverb ("angrily"). To indicate what one is angry "at" (the Stimulus), the preposition "auf" (akk.) is used. "Über" (akk.) is the equivalent of "about," and can express the Stimulus or Topic.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Wüterich" ("tartar"), "stinkwütend" ("very angry")

Synonyms:

"zornig," "böse," "empört," "aufgebracht," "aggressiv," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„wütend“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/w%C3%BCtend>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Nina ist wütend auf Jana.
  2. Meine Mutter macht mich wütend.
  3. Verkäufer sind wütend über den Boykott.
  4. Die Jugendlichen werden wütend über Ungerechtigkeit.
  5. Leon versuchte, die wütende Frau zu beruhigen.
  6. Warum bist du so wütend?
  1. Nina is angry at Jana.
  2. My mother makes me angry.
  3. Sellers are angry about the boycott.
  4. The young people get angry about injustice.
  5. Leon tried to calm the angry woman.
  6. Why are you so angry?
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist wütend.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist wütend auf STIMULUS.accusative.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist wütend über STIMULUS.accusative.
  4. EXPERIENCER ist wütend über TOPIC.accusative.
  5. [wütend- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is angry.
  2. EXPERIENCER is angry at STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER is angry about STIMULUS.
  4. EXPERIENCER is angry about TOPIC.
  5. [angry EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

angry

This word is used like its English counterpart when an Experiencer feels and shows anger. It can also be used as an adverb ("angrily"). To indicate what one is angry "at" (the Stimulus), the preposition "auf" (akk.) is used. "Über" (akk.) is the equivalent of "about," and can express the Stimulus or Topic.

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Wüterich" ("tartar"), "stinkwütend" ("very angry")

Synonyms:

"zornig," "böse," "empört," "aufgebracht," "aggressiv," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„wütend“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/w%C3%BCtend>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

wütender, am wütendsten
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Details
Examples
Grammar Notes
Sentence Templates
Alternate Forms
See All Information
beeindrucken verb to impress

Details:

to impress

"Beeindrucken" means that someone or something makes the Experiencer feel admiration and respect. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but can prove difficult to pronounce. Say each prefix separately: "be-ein-drucken."

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Eindruck" ("impression")

Synonyms:

"Eindruck machen," "(nachhaltig) auf jemanden wirken," "imponieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beeindrucken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beeindrucken>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Stella beeindruckt ihre Lehrer.
  2. Der Künstler beeindruckt sein Publikum.
  3. Die Aufführung hat mich tief beeindruckt.
  4. Der Roman hat meinen Vater nachhaltig beeindruckt.
  1. Stella impresses her teachers.
  2. The artist impresses his audience.
  3. The performance impressed me deeply.
  4. The novel strongly impressed my father.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS beeindruckt EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS impresses EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to impress

"Beeindrucken" means that someone or something makes the Experiencer feel admiration and respect. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but can prove difficult to pronounce. Say each prefix separately: "be-ein-drucken."

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Eindruck" ("impression")

Synonyms:

"Eindruck machen," "(nachhaltig) auf jemanden wirken," "imponieren," among others

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„beeindrucken“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/beeindrucken>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) beeindruckt, beeindruckte, hat beeindruckt
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begeistert adjective excited

Details:

excited

This is the best German translation of the English adjective "excited," used when an Experiencer is filled with feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness and is also used for "enthusiastic." The adjective describes the Experiencer, and the Stimulus (if present) is expressed using "von." This is known as a participial adjective because it comes from the past participle of the verb "begeistern" ("to excite," "to make enthusiastic").

It can also be used as an adverb meaning "excitedly" or "enthusiastically."

Further details:

Word formation:

"begeistern" ("to thrill so.," "to inspire so.," "to enthuse so.," to get into sth."), "naturbegeistert" ("nature enthusiastic"), "kunstbegeistert" ("art enthusiastic"), among others

Synonyms:

"enthusiastisch," "euphorisch," "hochgestimmt"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„begeistert“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/begeistert>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die Fans sind von der Weltmeisterschaft begeistert.
  2. Jens war begeistert an seinem Geburtstag.
  3. Der begeisterte Lehrer lief ins Klassenzimmer.
  4. Es war ein tolles Konzert. Ich bin begeistert.
  5. Es war ein tolles Konzert. Das Publikum war begeistert.
  1. The fans are excited about the World Cup.
  2. Jens was excited on his birthday.
  3. The excited teacher ran into the classroom.
  4. It was a great concert. I am excited.
  5. It was a great condert. The audience was excited.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist begeistert.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist von STIMULUS begeistert.
  3. [begeistert- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is excited.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist about STIMULUS excited.
  3. [excited EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

excited

This is the best German translation of the English adjective "excited," used when an Experiencer is filled with feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness and is also used for "enthusiastic." The adjective describes the Experiencer, and the Stimulus (if present) is expressed using "von." This is known as a participial adjective because it comes from the past participle of the verb "begeistern" ("to excite," "to make enthusiastic").

It can also be used as an adverb meaning "excitedly" or "enthusiastically."

Further details:

Word formation:

"begeistern" ("to thrill so.," "to inspire so.," "to enthuse so.," to get into sth."), "naturbegeistert" ("nature enthusiastic"), "kunstbegeistert" ("art enthusiastic"), among others

Synonyms:

"enthusiastisch," "euphorisch," "hochgestimmt"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„begeistert“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/begeistert>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

begeisterter, am begeistertsten
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Freude, die noun pleasure

Details:

pleasure, joy

Used much like its English counterparts, this noun indicates enjoyment of some Content, expressed with "an" (dat.). The phrase "Freude haben an" is similar to English "to take pleasure in."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Freudenfest" ("celebration," "whopee"), "das Freudenfeuer" ("bonfire"), "der Freudentanz" ("jig"), "der Freudensprung" ("leap of joy"), "die Freudenträne" ("tear of joy"), "freudetrunken" ("drunk with happiness"), "die Arbeitsfreude" ("joy of work"), among others

Synonyms:

"das Vergnügen," "das Wohlgefallen," "die Euphorie," "die Hochstimmung," "der Jubel," "die Begeisterung," among others

Idioms:

- "Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen" (lit. "peace, joy, pancakes") is said by German speaker to indicate that a situation is superficially harmonious and happy,  but often with an implication that problems are being ignored or glossed over, e.g. "Der Horror-Thriller vom Grusel-Meister Steven King begleitet all jene durch die Weihnachtstage, denen nicht nach Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen zumute ist." ("The horror movie by the master of scary stories accompanies all those through the days of Christmas who don't long for sunshine and roses.")

- "Wiedersehen macht Freude" (lit. "reunion brings joy"): German speakers use this phrase to say quite literally that someone enjoys to meet or see someone / something again, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude' hieß das Motto beim Klassentreffen in der Ludwig-Erhard-Wirtschaftsschule am letzten Samstag." ("'It's good to meet again' was the slogan at the reunion of the Ludwig Erhard economic school last Saturday."). More common, however, is the usage as the euphemistic request to return a borrowed item to the owner, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude', sagt die Sekretärin, wenn ich mir ihre Schere ausleihe." ("'Please bring them back,' says the secretary when I borrow her scissors.").

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Freude“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Freude>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Freude an der Arbeit ist wichtig für eine hohe Lebensqualität.
  2. Timo hat Freude am Kochen.
  3. Wie findet man wieder Freude am Leben?
  4. Es ist immer eine Freude, mit Konstantin zu reden.
  5. Paulas Vater weckte ihre Freude am Lesen.
  6. Man kann leicht sehen, er macht Musik mit viel Freude.
  7. Die Freude an wissenschaftlicher Arbeit spielt keine Rolle in der Diskussion um Sinn und Unsinn des Promovierens.
  8. Diese Arbeit macht mir viel Freude.
  9. Meine Eltern wollten uns mit dieser Reise eine ganz besondere Freude machen.
  1. Pleasure in your work is important for a high quality of life.
  2. Timo takes pleasure in cooking.
  3. How does one find pleasure in life again?
  4. It is always a pleasure to talk to Konstantin.
  5. Paula's father awoke her pleasure for reading.
  6. One can easily see, he makes music with much pleasure.
  7. The pleasure in scientific work plays no role in the discussion of whether it makes sense to get a doctorate degree.
  8. This work is a joy for me.
  9. My parents wanted to treat us with this journey.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Freude.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat Freude an CONTENT.
  3. CONTENT ist eine Freude.
  4. EXPERIENCER macht etwas mit Freude.
  1. EXPERIENCER has pleasure.
  2. EXPERIENCER has pleasure in CONTENT.
  3. CONTENT is a pleasure.
  4. EXPERIENCER does something with pleasure.
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Details:

pleasure, joy

Used much like its English counterparts, this noun indicates enjoyment of some Content, expressed with "an" (dat.). The phrase "Freude haben an" is similar to English "to take pleasure in."

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Freudenfest" ("celebration," "whopee"), "das Freudenfeuer" ("bonfire"), "der Freudentanz" ("jig"), "der Freudensprung" ("leap of joy"), "die Freudenträne" ("tear of joy"), "freudetrunken" ("drunk with happiness"), "die Arbeitsfreude" ("joy of work"), among others

Synonyms:

"das Vergnügen," "das Wohlgefallen," "die Euphorie," "die Hochstimmung," "der Jubel," "die Begeisterung," among others

Idioms:

- "Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen" (lit. "peace, joy, pancakes") is said by German speaker to indicate that a situation is superficially harmonious and happy,  but often with an implication that problems are being ignored or glossed over, e.g. "Der Horror-Thriller vom Grusel-Meister Steven King begleitet all jene durch die Weihnachtstage, denen nicht nach Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen zumute ist." ("The horror movie by the master of scary stories accompanies all those through the days of Christmas who don't long for sunshine and roses.")

- "Wiedersehen macht Freude" (lit. "reunion brings joy"): German speakers use this phrase to say quite literally that someone enjoys to meet or see someone / something again, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude' hieß das Motto beim Klassentreffen in der Ludwig-Erhard-Wirtschaftsschule am letzten Samstag." ("'It's good to meet again' was the slogan at the reunion of the Ludwig Erhard economic school last Saturday."). More common, however, is the usage as the euphemistic request to return a borrowed item to the owner, e.g. "'Wiedersehen macht Freude', sagt die Sekretärin, wenn ich mir ihre Schere ausleihe." ("'Please bring them back,' says the secretary when I borrow her scissors.").

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Freude“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Freude>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Freuden
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froh adjective happy

Details:

happy, glad

Although "glücklich" is used about as often as "froh" to describe a feeling of pleasure or contentment, this adjective is more common when it comes to holiday wishes:

GermanEnglish
Frohes neues Jahr!Happy New Year!
Frohe Weihnachten!Happy Christmas!
Frohe Ostern!Happy Easter!

Use "über" (akk.) to introduce what you are happy "about" (the Stimulus), e.g. "Frau Schmidt ist froh über die Hilfe." ("Mrs. Schmidt is glad about the help."). In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, "um" (akk.) might be used, e.g. "Der Chef ist froh um die Unterstützung der Mitarbeiter." ("The boss is glad about the support of the colleagues."). The Stimulus can also appear in a clause with "dass" or a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz), e.g. "Melanie ist froh, dass sie den Schlüssel gefunden hat." ("Melanie is glad that she found the key."), "Melanie ist froh, den Schlüssel gefunden zu haben." ("Melanie is glad to have found the key.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Frohsinn" ("cheerfulness"), "die Frohnatur" ("cheerful nature," "cheerful person"), "frohgemut" ("in good spirits"), "frohlocken" ("to exult," "to rejoice"), "farbenfroh" ("colorful"), "heilfroh" ("really, very glad"), "lebensfroh" ("full of joie de vivre"), among others

Synonyms:

"glücklich," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„froh“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/froh>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 
This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.
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Example Sentences:

  1. Meine Verwandten sind frohe Menschen.
  2. Ich bin froh, dass es endlich Sommer ist.
  3. Manuel ist ein bisschen nervös, aber doch froh über den Termin.
  4. Pascal war froh, endlich wieder zu Hause zu sein.
  5. Ich bin froh, dass du kommen kannst. 
  1. My relatives are happy people.
  2. I am happy that it is finally summer.
  3. Manuel is a little nervous, but indeed happy about the appointment.
  4. Pascal was happy, finally again at home to be.
  5. I am happy that you can come.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist froh.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist froh über STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER is happy.
  2. EXPERIENCER is happy about STIMULUS.
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Details:

happy, glad

Although "glücklich" is used about as often as "froh" to describe a feeling of pleasure or contentment, this adjective is more common when it comes to holiday wishes:

GermanEnglish
Frohes neues Jahr!Happy New Year!
Frohe Weihnachten!Happy Christmas!
Frohe Ostern!Happy Easter!

Use "über" (akk.) to introduce what you are happy "about" (the Stimulus), e.g. "Frau Schmidt ist froh über die Hilfe." ("Mrs. Schmidt is glad about the help."). In southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, "um" (akk.) might be used, e.g. "Der Chef ist froh um die Unterstützung der Mitarbeiter." ("The boss is glad about the support of the colleagues."). The Stimulus can also appear in a clause with "dass" or a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz), e.g. "Melanie ist froh, dass sie den Schlüssel gefunden hat." ("Melanie is glad that she found the key."), "Melanie ist froh, den Schlüssel gefunden zu haben." ("Melanie is glad to have found the key.")

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Frohsinn" ("cheerfulness"), "die Frohnatur" ("cheerful nature," "cheerful person"), "frohgemut" ("in good spirits"), "frohlocken" ("to exult," "to rejoice"), "farbenfroh" ("colorful"), "heilfroh" ("really, very glad"), "lebensfroh" ("full of joie de vivre"), among others

Synonyms:

"glücklich," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„froh“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/froh>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 
This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.
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Alternate Forms:

froher, am froh(e)sten
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genießen verb to enjoy, to relish

Details:

to enjoy, to relish

German speaker use the verb "genießen" when they describe that an Experiencer gets pleasure from a Stimulus and is therefore savoring it / the situation. It is used like its English counterpart. Beware of its irregular past tense forms.

Further details:

Word formation:

"genießbar" ("palatable," "enjoyable"), "genießerisch" ("appreciative," "pleasurably"), "der Genießer / die Genießerin" ("connoisseur," "epicure")

Synonyms:

"auskosten," "sich erfreuen an"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„genießen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/genie%C3%9Fen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Moritz genießt das Konzert.
  2. Alina und Fabian genossen ihren Urlaub in Spanien.
  3. Er kann das Essen leider nicht genießen, weil es zu scharf ist.
  4. Bei gutem Wetter genießen die Wanderer hier eine schöne Aussicht.
  5. Paul genießt die Sonne.
  1. Moritz enjoys the concert.
  2. Alina and Fabian enjoyed their vacation in Spain.
  3. He couldn't enjoy the food unfortunately because it was to spicy.
  4. In good weather enjoy the hikers here a beautiful view.
  5. Paul enjoys the sun.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER genießt STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER enjoys STIMULUS.
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Details:

to enjoy, to relish

German speaker use the verb "genießen" when they describe that an Experiencer gets pleasure from a Stimulus and is therefore savoring it / the situation. It is used like its English counterpart. Beware of its irregular past tense forms.

Further details:

Word formation:

"genießbar" ("palatable," "enjoyable"), "genießerisch" ("appreciative," "pleasurably"), "der Genießer / die Genießerin" ("connoisseur," "epicure")

Synonyms:

"auskosten," "sich erfreuen an"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„genießen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/genie%C3%9Fen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) genießt, genoss, hat genossen
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glücklich adjective happy

Details:

happy

This word is polysemous. That is, it has multiple senses. It means both "happy" (i.e. an Experiencer feels joy) and "lucky" (i.e. a person has good luck, e.g. "der glückliche Gewinner," "the lucky winner"). Of course, the "lucky" meaning doesn't evoke this frame.

The Stimulus can be expressed in a prepositional phrase using "über," in a dependent clause with "dass" ("that"), or with a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz).

Topic can be introduced with "über" or "mit," and "mit" can also be used for Content (this happens when the term is used like "zufrieden," "content").

"Glücklich" can be used as an adverb ("happily"), and adding an "un"-prefix turns this adjective into its opposite ("unhappy").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Glück" ("luck," "joy," "happiness"), "glücklicherweise" ("unfortunately"), "überglücklich" ("exuberantly happy," "jubilant," "over the moon")

Synonyms:

"froh," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„glücklich“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gl%C3%BCcklich>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Zoe ist glücklich mit ihrem Leben.
  2. Elisabeth war glücklich, dass so viele Gäste auf die Party kamen.
  3. Levi ist glücklich über seinen neuen Job.
  4. Im Moment ist er nicht glücklich mit seiner Familie.
  5. Sie ist glücklich über die gute Aufnahme ihres Buchs.
  6. Meine Kinder sind glücklich verheiratet.
  1. Zoe is happy with her life.
  2. Elisabeth was happy, that so many guests to the party came.
  3. Levi is happy about his new Job.
  4. At the moment he is not happy with his family.
  5. She is happy about the good reception of her book.
  6. My children are happily married.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich mit CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich mit TOPIC.
  4. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich über STIMULUS.accusative.
  5. EXPERIENCER ist glücklich über TOPIC.accusative.
  6. [glücklich- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is happy.
  2. EXPERIENCER is happy with CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER is happy with TOPIC.
  4. EXPERIENCER is happy about STIMULUS.
  5. EXPERIENCER is happy about TOPIC.
  6. [happy EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

happy

This word is polysemous. That is, it has multiple senses. It means both "happy" (i.e. an Experiencer feels joy) and "lucky" (i.e. a person has good luck, e.g. "der glückliche Gewinner," "the lucky winner"). Of course, the "lucky" meaning doesn't evoke this frame.

The Stimulus can be expressed in a prepositional phrase using "über," in a dependent clause with "dass" ("that"), or with a "zu"-construction (Infinitivsatz).

Topic can be introduced with "über" or "mit," and "mit" can also be used for Content (this happens when the term is used like "zufrieden," "content").

"Glücklich" can be used as an adverb ("happily"), and adding an "un"-prefix turns this adjective into its opposite ("unhappy").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Glück" ("luck," "joy," "happiness"), "glücklicherweise" ("unfortunately"), "überglücklich" ("exuberantly happy," "jubilant," "over the moon")

Synonyms:

"froh," "zufrieden," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„glücklich“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gl%C3%BCcklich>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

glücklicher, am glücklichsten
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Spaß, der noun fun

Details:

fun, joke

"Der Spaß" refers like its English equivalent to things or activities that bring enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure to an Experiencer. In English, "fun" can be a noun or an adjective, but this is not so in German. This means that "Spaß" cannot be used with the verb "sein," as in "That is fun." Instead, Germans say "That makes fun" or "Das macht Spaß." The Experiencer can be expressed in such a phrase using dative: "Das macht mir Spaß."

Note, however, that speakers of both languages are known to "have" fun!

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Spaßvogel" ("joker," "jester"), "die Spaßgesellschaft" ("hedonistic society," "society obsessed with pleasure"), "der Spaßverderber" ("killjoy," "spoilsport," "wet blanket"), "die Spaßbremse" ("fun killer," "party pooper"), "spaßhaft" ("facetious," "jokey"), "spaßig" ("comical," "funny,"), "der Heidenspaß," "der Riesenspaß," "der Mordsspaß" (all three: "huge fun"), "der Fahrspaß" ("driving pleasure"), among others

Synonyms:

"der Freude," "das Vergnügen" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Spaß“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Spa%C3%9F>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Samuel hat Spaß auf der Party.
  2. Fußball macht Spaß!
  3. Seine Arbeit macht ihm Spaß.
  4. Es macht keinen Spaß, allein zu sein.
  5. Die Freunde hatten alle viel Spaß auf dem Konzert.
  6. Ich bin nicht zum Spaß hier.
  7. Ich will nicht aufräumen. Das macht mir keinen Spaß.
  8. Viel Spaß!
  1. Samuel has fun at the Party.
  2. Soccer makes fun!
  3. His work makes to him fun.
  4. It makes no fun, to be alone.
  5. The friends all had a lot of fun at the concert.
  6. I am not here for fun.
  7. I don't want to clean up. That is not fun for me.
  8. Have fun!
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Spaß.
  2. STIMULUS macht Spaß.
  3. STIMULUS macht EXPERIENCER.dative Spaß.
  1. EXPERIENCER has fun.
  2. STIMULUS makes fun.
  3. STIMULUS makes (to) EXPERIENCER fun.
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Details:

fun, joke

"Der Spaß" refers like its English equivalent to things or activities that bring enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure to an Experiencer. In English, "fun" can be a noun or an adjective, but this is not so in German. This means that "Spaß" cannot be used with the verb "sein," as in "That is fun." Instead, Germans say "That makes fun" or "Das macht Spaß." The Experiencer can be expressed in such a phrase using dative: "Das macht mir Spaß."

Note, however, that speakers of both languages are known to "have" fun!

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Spaßvogel" ("joker," "jester"), "die Spaßgesellschaft" ("hedonistic society," "society obsessed with pleasure"), "der Spaßverderber" ("killjoy," "spoilsport," "wet blanket"), "die Spaßbremse" ("fun killer," "party pooper"), "spaßhaft" ("facetious," "jokey"), "spaßig" ("comical," "funny,"), "der Heidenspaß," "der Riesenspaß," "der Mordsspaß" (all three: "huge fun"), "der Fahrspaß" ("driving pleasure"), among others

Synonyms:

"der Freude," "das Vergnügen" 

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Spaß“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Spa%C3%9F>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Späße (has a different meaning: jokes)
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trösten verb to comfort, to console

Details:

to comfort, to console

The verb "trösten" refers to situations where someone or something causes an Experiencer to feel less unhappy. Used like its English counterpart. The Stimulus (subject) can act intentionally or not; this role can but need not be filled by a person.

When used reflexively (with "sich"), this verb indicates that the Experiencer seeks comfort (causing it indirectly), and the Stimulus remains the direct cause of the feeling. In such cases, the Stimulus is introduced by the preposition "mit" ("with").

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Tröster" ("comforter," "consoler," "allayer"), "untröstlich" ("inconsolable," "heartbroken," "grief-stricken"), "hinwegtrösten" ("to be on the rebound"), "vertrösten" ("to put so. off," "to fob so. off")

Synonyms:

"Trost spenden," "aufbauen," "ermutigen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„trösten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/tr%C3%B6sten>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Selinas Freund tröstet sie.
  2. Der Schnuller tröstet das Baby.
  3. Manchmal tröstet man sich nach einer Trennung mit einem neuen Geliebten.
  4. Florian tröstete sich mit dem Gedanken, dass es nicht unbedingt perfekt sein musste.
  1. Selinas boyfriend comforts her.
  2. The pacifier comforts the baby.
  3. Sometimes one comforts oneself after a separation with a new lover.
  4. Florian comforted himself with the thought that it didn't necessarily have to be perfect.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS tröstet EXPERIENCER.
  1. STIMULUS comforts EXPERIENCER.
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Details:

to comfort, to console

The verb "trösten" refers to situations where someone or something causes an Experiencer to feel less unhappy. Used like its English counterpart. The Stimulus (subject) can act intentionally or not; this role can but need not be filled by a person.

When used reflexively (with "sich"), this verb indicates that the Experiencer seeks comfort (causing it indirectly), and the Stimulus remains the direct cause of the feeling. In such cases, the Stimulus is introduced by the preposition "mit" ("with").

Further details:

Word formation:

"der Tröster" ("comforter," "consoler," "allayer"), "untröstlich" ("inconsolable," "heartbroken," "grief-stricken"), "hinwegtrösten" ("to be on the rebound"), "vertrösten" ("to put so. off," "to fob so. off")

Synonyms:

"Trost spenden," "aufbauen," "ermutigen"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„trösten“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/tr%C3%B6sten>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) tröstet, tröstete, hat getröstet
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zufrieden adjective content, satisfied

Details:

content, satisfied

An Experiencer is "zufrieden" when they are happy and pleased with a situation and willing to accept it, rather than wanting something more / better. It is used like its English counterpart: the Experiencer typically appears as the subject of "sein" and the Content is expressed in a prepositional phrase headed by "mit" (dat. - "with"). This word can also be used as an adverb, for example, "Sie lächelt zufrieden" ("She smiles contentedly").

This word can combine with the prefix "un-" to convey an opposite meaning: "unzufrieden" ("discontent," "dissatisfied").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Zufriedenheit" ("contentedness," "satisfaction"), "zufriedenstellen" ("to content," "to please"), "zufriedenstellend" ("satisfactory"), "sich mit etwas zufriedengeben" ("to settle for sth.," "to be content with sth."), "hochzufrieden" ("very, extremely pleased")

Synonyms:

"froh," "glücklich," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„zufrieden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/zufrieden>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Ich bin fröhlich und zufrieden.
  2. Lukas ist mit seinem neuen Auto sehr zufrieden.
  3. Tim ist ein zufriedener Mensch.
  4. Mit ihrem Leben als Studentin ist Alina hoch zufrieden.
  5. Ich bin mit der Wohnung zufrieden.
  1. I am happy and content.
  2. Lukas is with his new car very satisfied.
  3. Tim is a content person.
  4. With her life as a student, Alina is highly satisfied.
  5. I am satisfied with the apartment.
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Grammar:

Adjectives in Action

There are two main ways to use adjectives in German that parallel the ways adjectives are used in English:

Firstly, you can use them after some form of "sein" ("to be"), as in "Adjektive sind faszinierend" ("adjectives are fascinating"). This one is easy. Other verbs like "werden" ("to become") may be used in this context also. We call these "predicate adjectives" because they appear after the verb to give information about the subject.

Secondly, you can use adjectives directly before a noun, as in "die eifersüchtige Frau" ("the jealous woman/wife"). In this context, we call it an "attributive adjective" because it directly attributes some quality to the noun. These can be a little tricky because they require an extra adjective ending, typically "-e" or "-en."

These usages are illustrated in the table below.

 Predicate AdjectivesAttributive Adjectives
1.

Sara ist arbeitslos.
Sara is unemployed.

Saras arbeitsloser Mann sucht einen Job.
Sara's unemployed husband is looking for a job.
2.

Der Kunde wurde wütend.
The customer became angry.

Der wütende Kunde verließ den Laden.
The angry customer left the store.
3.Viele deutsche Wähler sind gut informiert.
Many German voters are well informed.		Informierte Wähler sind wichtig für eine Demokratie.
Informed voters are important for a democracy.

Depending on how advanced you are in German, you may want to delve into the wonders of adjective endings (for highly motivated, grammar-oriented or advanced students), or you may want to simply note that they have an "e" (or more) at the end and move on with your life (recommended for those in the first or second year of study). If you so desire, you can learn more about using adjective endings in Grimm Grammar (after der-words, after ein-words, without articles).

Comparisons using Adjectives
In the Alternate Forms tab, you can see the comparative (e.g. "gut" - "besser," "good" - "better") and superlative (e.g. "gut" - "am besten," "good" - "the best") forms of an adjective. German and English are similar in their uses of comparative; both languages add an "-er" ending to make comparative forms, for example: "wütend, wütender" ("angry, angrier"), "informiert, informierter" ("informed, more informed"), etc. The main difference is that English sometimes does not allow such an ending (e.g. *"stupider," *"informeder," *"loster"), but in German, the "-er" ending is always possible, and "more" does NOT appear with an adjective to convey the comparative meaning. There are a few more rules for German comparatives and superlatives (including some irregular forms) that you can read about in Grimm Grammar.

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER ist zufrieden.
  2. EXPERIENCER ist mit CONTENT zufrieden.
  3. [zufrieden- EXPERIENCER]
  1. EXPERIENCER is content.
  2. EXPERIENCER is with CONTENT content.
  3. [content EXPERIENCER]
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Details:

content, satisfied

An Experiencer is "zufrieden" when they are happy and pleased with a situation and willing to accept it, rather than wanting something more / better. It is used like its English counterpart: the Experiencer typically appears as the subject of "sein" and the Content is expressed in a prepositional phrase headed by "mit" (dat. - "with"). This word can also be used as an adverb, for example, "Sie lächelt zufrieden" ("She smiles contentedly").

This word can combine with the prefix "un-" to convey an opposite meaning: "unzufrieden" ("discontent," "dissatisfied").

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Zufriedenheit" ("contentedness," "satisfaction"), "zufriedenstellen" ("to content," "to please"), "zufriedenstellend" ("satisfactory"), "sich mit etwas zufriedengeben" ("to settle for sth.," "to be content with sth."), "hochzufrieden" ("very, extremely pleased")

Synonyms:

"froh," "glücklich," "happy"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„zufrieden“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/zufrieden>, abgerufen am 07.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

zufriedener, am zufriedensten
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Details
Examples
Grammar Notes
Sentence Templates
Alternate Forms
See All Information
egal: jdm. egal sein multi-word expression to be all the same

Details:

to be all the same (to someone)

"Es ist mir egal" literally means "it is equal to me" but is best translated as "I don't care." Use this expression with a different Experiencer by changing the dative "mir." If no dative object is included, e.g. "es ist egal," then the meaning is general: "it doesn't matter."

The subject of the sentence is the Content. When used with "es" ("it") as the subject, you can elaborate on the Content by adding a dependent clause that typically begins with a question word or a preposition, as in examples 2 and 4.

Further details:

Word formation:

"piepegal," "schnurzegal," "schnurzpiepegal," "scheißegal" (all four: "so. doesn't give a damn")

Synonyms:

"gleich," "gleichgültig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„egal“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/egal#1>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Das ist mir egal.
  2. Es war ihnen egal, ob die Reise etwas länger war.
  3. Das weiß Patrick, aber es ist ihm egal.
  4. Es ist mir letztlich auch egal, aus welchen Quellen sich das gespeist hat.
  5. Willst du Tee oder Kaffee trinken? – Egal.
  1. It is all the same to me. (I don't care; It doesn't matter to me)
  2. It didn't matter to them, if the trip was a bit longer.
  3. Patrick knows that, but he doesn't care.
  4. I don't care what sources it was supplied from.
  5. Would you like to drink tea or coffee? - I don't care.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. CONTENT ist EXPERIENCER.dative egal.
  2. Es ist EXPERIENCER.dative egal, CONTENT.
  1. CONTENT is to EXPERIENCER all the same.
  2. It is all the same to EXPERIENCER, CONTENT.
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Details:

to be all the same (to someone)

"Es ist mir egal" literally means "it is equal to me" but is best translated as "I don't care." Use this expression with a different Experiencer by changing the dative "mir." If no dative object is included, e.g. "es ist egal," then the meaning is general: "it doesn't matter."

The subject of the sentence is the Content. When used with "es" ("it") as the subject, you can elaborate on the Content by adding a dependent clause that typically begins with a question word or a preposition, as in examples 2 and 4.

Further details:

Word formation:

"piepegal," "schnurzegal," "schnurzpiepegal," "scheißegal" (all four: "so. doesn't give a damn")

Synonyms:

"gleich," "gleichgültig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„egal“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/egal#1>, abgerufen am 02.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er/es) ist jdm. egal, war jdm. egal, ist jdm. egal gewesen
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gefallen (dat.) verb to like, to please

Details:

to like

This verb conveys the same meaning as English "to like," but in a seemingly backward way - the thing that is liked takes the subject role in the sentence! It is even considered a Stimulus. The dative case is used for the Experiencer. So, if I like a book, I would say "Das Buch gefällt mir." It may help to think of the English verb "please," as in "The book pleases me." If the Topic is expressed in the sentence, (i.e. what someone likes "about" something), that Topic is then the subject with the Stimulus expressed using "an," e.g. "Der Humor gefällt mir an dem Buch." ("I like the humor of the book.").

"Gefallen" is a so-called dative verb because it does not take an accusative object.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Gefallsucht" ("craving for admiration"), "gefallsüchtig" ("coquettish"), "gefällig" ("agreeable," "pleasing")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gefallen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gefallen#1>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Die neuen Schuhe gefallen ihr.
  2. Dieser Film gefällt mir sehr gut.
  3. Was gefällt euch an der Universität von Texas?
  4. Mir gefällt er gar nicht!
  5. Die Farbe gefällt mir an diesem Sofa am besten.
  6. Gefallen dir die Blumen?
  7. Das gefällt mir.
  1. The new shoes please her.
  2. This movie pleases me very well.
  3. What pleases you about the University of Texas?
  4. I don't like him at all!
  5. The color I like best about this sofa.
  6. Do you like the flowers?
  7. That doesn't please me.
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Grammar:

Dative Verbs

Some German verbs use the dative case with their objects, instead of accusative (e.g. "helfen," "danken," "gefallen," "gehören," "schmecken," "passen"). Sometimes these dative objects are expressed with "to" phrases in English (e.g. "Es gehört mir." - "It belongs to me."). People often fill this syntactic role, so it will come in handy to review the personal pronouns in dative.

Personal Pronouns in Dative
 Sing.Pl.
1st pers.miruns
2nd pers.direuch

3rd pers. masc.

fem.

neut.

ihm

ihr

ihm

ihnen
Formal 2nd pers.Ihnen
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS gefällt EXPERIENCER.dative.
  2. TOPIC gefällt EXPERIENCER.dative an STIMULUS.dative.
  1. STIMULUS pleases EXPERIENCER.
  2. TOPIC pleases EXPERIENCER about STIMULUS.
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Details:

to like

This verb conveys the same meaning as English "to like," but in a seemingly backward way - the thing that is liked takes the subject role in the sentence! It is even considered a Stimulus. The dative case is used for the Experiencer. So, if I like a book, I would say "Das Buch gefällt mir." It may help to think of the English verb "please," as in "The book pleases me." If the Topic is expressed in the sentence, (i.e. what someone likes "about" something), that Topic is then the subject with the Stimulus expressed using "an," e.g. "Der Humor gefällt mir an dem Buch." ("I like the humor of the book.").

"Gefallen" is a so-called dative verb because it does not take an accusative object.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Gefallsucht" ("craving for admiration"), "gefallsüchtig" ("coquettish"), "gefällig" ("agreeable," "pleasing")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gefallen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gefallen#1>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) gefällt, gefiel, hat gefallen
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gern adverb gladly

Details:

gladly

This adverb is used along with a verb to indicate that its subject likes the activity. It usually translates to "Experiencer likes to do something (Content)." Sometimes, German speakers use the alternative form "gerne."

Further details:

Word formation:

"ungern" ("reluctantly," "grudgingly," "unwillingly"), "der Gernegroß" ("boastful and self-important person," "show-off," "cockalorum")

Synonyms:

"freudig," "bereitwillig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Jens und Kent schwimmen gern.
  2. Michelle spielt gern Computerspiele.
  3. Frank isst gern Wurst und Kartoffelsalat.
  4. Ich gehe gern ins Kino.
  5. Was machst du gern in deiner Freizeit?
  6. Ich fliege nicht gern. Deshalb fahre ich mit dem Zug.
  7. Spielt ihr gerne Fußball? 
  1. Jens and Kent swim gladly.
  2. Michelle plays gladly computer games.
  3. Frank eats gladly sausage and potato salad.
  4. I go gladly to the movies.
  5. What do you do gladly in your free time?
  6. I don't like to fly. Therefore I go by train.
  7. Do you like to play soccer?
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER verb-t gern.
  1. EXPERIENCER verb-s gladly.
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Details:

gladly

This adverb is used along with a verb to indicate that its subject likes the activity. It usually translates to "Experiencer likes to do something (Content)." Sometimes, German speakers use the alternative form "gerne."

Further details:

Word formation:

"ungern" ("reluctantly," "grudgingly," "unwillingly"), "der Gernegroß" ("boastful and self-important person," "show-off," "cockalorum")

Synonyms:

"freudig," "bereitwillig"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

lieber, am liebsten; gerne
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gern haben multi-word expression to like

Details:

to like, lit. "to have gladly"

This is one of a number of ways to say that you like something or someone in German (see also "gefallen" and "mögen"). It is used with nouns only (to say that you like doing something, you leave out "haben" and use "gern" with that verb; see the entry for "gern" in this frame).

A more intense variation on this expression is "etwas / jemanden zum Fressen gern haben," which means something like "to love something / someone to pieces." If you've looked at the Eating and Drinking frame, you know that "fressen" is used for animals eating; the expression makes more sense if you imagine a mother telling her child "I want to eat you all up!" 

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "gern" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Er hat mich gern.
  2. Gerhard hatte den Hund recht gern.
  3. Ich habe ihn zum Fressen gern!
  1. He likes me.
  2. Gerhard really liked the dog.
  3. I love him to pieces!
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat CONTENT gern.
  1. EXPERIENCER likes CONTENT.
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Details:

to like, lit. "to have gladly"

This is one of a number of ways to say that you like something or someone in German (see also "gefallen" and "mögen"). It is used with nouns only (to say that you like doing something, you leave out "haben" and use "gern" with that verb; see the entry for "gern" in this frame).

A more intense variation on this expression is "etwas / jemanden zum Fressen gern haben," which means something like "to love something / someone to pieces." If you've looked at the Eating and Drinking frame, you know that "fressen" is used for animals eating; the expression makes more sense if you imagine a mother telling her child "I want to eat you all up!" 

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„gern“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/gern>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "gern" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) hat gern(e), hatte gern(e), hat gern(e) gehabt
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Hass, der noun hatred

Details:

hatred

Used similar to its English counterpart to describe an extreme dislike of an Experiencer. Compound nouns are quite common with this word, for example: "der Selbsthass" ("self-hate"), "der Fremdenhass" ("xenophobia"), "der Rassenhass" ("racial hatred"), "der Frauenhass" ("misogyny"), "der Schwulenhass" ("homophobia"), "der Islamhass" ("hatred of Islam"), etc.

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Synonym:

"die Abscheu"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Hass“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Hass>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Example Sentences:

  1. In den USA gibt es keinen Hass auf die Russen.
  2. Liam ist von Hass erfüllt.
  3. Der Hass gegen Migranten ist ein großes Problem.
  4. Elena empfand einen blinden Hass gegen den Mann.
  1. In the USA there is no hatred for Russians.
  2. Liam is with hatred filled.
  3. Hatred of immigrants is a big problem.
  4. Elena felt a blind hatred for the man.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat / empfindet / kriegt Hass.
  2. EXPERIENCER empfindet Hass gegen CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER empfindet Hass auf CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER has / feels / gets hatred.
  2. EXPERIENCER feels hatred for CONTENT.
  3. EXPERIENCER feels hatred for CONTENT.
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Details:

hatred

Used similar to its English counterpart to describe an extreme dislike of an Experiencer. Compound nouns are quite common with this word, for example: "der Selbsthass" ("self-hate"), "der Fremdenhass" ("xenophobia"), "der Rassenhass" ("racial hatred"), "der Frauenhass" ("misogyny"), "der Schwulenhass" ("homophobia"), "der Islamhass" ("hatred of Islam"), etc.

It is only used in the singular form (no plural).

Further details:

Synonym:

"die Abscheu"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Hass“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Hass>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

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Alternate Forms:

no plural, only used in singular
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hassen verb to hate

Details:

to hate

The verb "hassen" is used when an Experiencer feels an intense dislike for or a strong aversion towards something or someone. It is used like the English term.

Further details:

Word formation:

"hassenswert" ("hateful," "odious"), "der Hasser / die Hasserin" ("male / female hater, loather")

Synonyms:

"verabscheuen," "verachten"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„hassen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/hassen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Stephanie hasst diesen Film.
  2. Mein bester Freund hasst mich jetzt.
  3. Ich hasse es wie die Pest!
  4. Du hasst Autofahren.
  5. Ich hasse es, zu spät zu kommen.
  1. Stephanie hates this Film.
  2. My best friend hates me now.
  3. I hate it like the plague!
  4. You hate car riding.
  5. I hate it to be late.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hasst CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER hates CONTENT.
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Details:

to hate

The verb "hassen" is used when an Experiencer feels an intense dislike for or a strong aversion towards something or someone. It is used like the English term.

Further details:

Word formation:

"hassenswert" ("hateful," "odious"), "der Hasser / die Hasserin" ("male / female hater, loather")

Synonyms:

"verabscheuen," "verachten"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„hassen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/hassen>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) hasst, hasste, hat gehasst
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Interesse, das noun interest

Details:

interest

"Das Interesse" refers to a state of Experiencers when they want to know or learn about someone or something, or when someone or something holds their attention. There are many metaphorical usages of this noun, but when it evokes this frame, the Experiencer is a sentient being. It is most often realized with a Topic or Stimulus, in a prepositional phrase headed by "an" (dat.) or "für" (akk.). "Für" tends to be used for things like fields of study or genres (a Topic), while "an" tends to occur with more specific interests (a Stimulus), but this is not a rule; they are more or less interchangeable.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Interessengruppe" ("interest group," "lobby"), "die Interessenvertretung" ("representation of interests," "lobby"), "der Interessenkonflikt" ("conflict of interest"), "der Interessenausgleich" ("reconciliation, balance of interests"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female potential buyer"), "interesse(n)los" ("uninterested"), "interessehalber" ("out of interest"), "das Allgemeininteresse" ("public interest"), "das Eigeninteresse" ("self-interest"), "das Desinteresse" ("disinterest," "lack of interest"), "desinteressiert" ("not interested"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Interessiertheit," "die Neugier," "die Neugierde," "die Anteilnahme"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Interesse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Interesse>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Viele Jugendliche haben kein Interesse für Politik.
  2. Die Weltmeisterschaft weckte mein Interesse an Fußball.
  3. Mias Interessen sind Philosophie und Musik.
  4. Mit 15 Jahren entwickelte Sophia ein Interesse für Mode und Literatur.
  5. Ich habe viele Interessen: Sport, Lesen, Kultur, Reisen. 
  6. Heinrich zeigt ein Interesse an dem Studium des Kosmos.
  7. Als ich einen Anatomiekurs belegte, entwickelte ich ein großes Interesse am menschlichen Körper.
  8. Ich sah mit großem Interesse zu, als sie den Kuchen vorbereitete.
  1. Many young people have no interest for politics.
  2. The World Cup aroused my interest in soccer.
  3. Mia's interests are philosophy and music.
  4. At 15, Sophia developed an interest for fashion and literature.
  5. I have many interests: sports, reading, culture, traveling.
  6. Heinrich shows an interest in the study of the cosmos.
  7. When I took an anatomy course, I developed a stong interest in the human body.
  8. I watched with great interest as she prepared the cake.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER hat Interessen.
  2. EXPERIENCER hat ein Interesse an TOPIC / STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER hat ein Interesse für TOPIC / STIMULUS.
  1. EXPERIENCER has interests.
  2. EXPERIENCER has an interest in TOPIC / STIMULUS.
  3. EXPERIENCER has an interest for TOPIC / STIMULUS.
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Details:

interest

"Das Interesse" refers to a state of Experiencers when they want to know or learn about someone or something, or when someone or something holds their attention. There are many metaphorical usages of this noun, but when it evokes this frame, the Experiencer is a sentient being. It is most often realized with a Topic or Stimulus, in a prepositional phrase headed by "an" (dat.) or "für" (akk.). "Für" tends to be used for things like fields of study or genres (a Topic), while "an" tends to occur with more specific interests (a Stimulus), but this is not a rule; they are more or less interchangeable.

Further details:

Word formation:

"die Interessengruppe" ("interest group," "lobby"), "die Interessenvertretung" ("representation of interests," "lobby"), "der Interessenkonflikt" ("conflict of interest"), "der Interessenausgleich" ("reconciliation, balance of interests"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female potential buyer"), "interesse(n)los" ("uninterested"), "interessehalber" ("out of interest"), "das Allgemeininteresse" ("public interest"), "das Eigeninteresse" ("self-interest"), "das Desinteresse" ("disinterest," "lack of interest"), "desinteressiert" ("not interested"), among others

Synonyms:

"die Interessiertheit," "die Neugier," "die Neugierde," "die Anteilnahme"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Interesse“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Interesse>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(pl.) die Interessen
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interessieren verb to interest (to be interested in)

Details:

to interest; to be interested in

The verb "interessieren" is used when something or someone evokes the curiosity or attention of an Experiencer. It is used like its English counterpart, but there is also a reflexive form that means "to be interested in" ("sich interessieren für").

This concept is an exception to the pattern identified in the grammar note: for "interesting," use "interessant" (nicht "interessierend"). "Interessiert" is still appropriate, and its opposite can be formed by adding the prefix "un-" ("uninteressiert").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Interesse" ("interest"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female interested person," "interested party," "potential buyer"), "interessiert" ("interested")

Synonyms:

"jemandes Interesse erwecken," "ansprechen," "faszinieren," "reizen," "verlocken"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„interessieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/interessieren>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Philosophie interessiert Sara.
  2. Es interessiert ihn, dass Deutsch und Englisch so ähnlich sind.
  3.  Ich interessiere mich für Fußball. 
  4.  Jana interessiert sich sehr für Kultur. Sie geht jede Woche ins Theater oder ins Museum.
  5.  Ich interessiere mich nicht für Geschichte. 
  6.  Dieses Programm im Radio interessiert mich nicht. 
  7. Felix interessiert sich für Linguistik.
  8. Als sie jung waren, interessierten sich Lily und Mila für Puppen und Pferde.
  1. Philosophy interests Sara.
  2. It interests him, that German and English are so similar.
  3. I am interested in soccer.
  4. Jana is very interested in culture. She goes every week to the theater or the museum.
  5. I am not interested in history.
  6. This program on the radio does not interest me.
  7. Felix is interested in linguistics.
  8. When they were young, Lily and Mila were interested in dolls and horses.
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. STIMULUS interessiert EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER interessiert sich für STIMULUS.
  1. STIMULUS interests EXPERIENCER.
  2. EXPERIENCER is interested in STIMULUS.
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Details:

to interest; to be interested in

The verb "interessieren" is used when something or someone evokes the curiosity or attention of an Experiencer. It is used like its English counterpart, but there is also a reflexive form that means "to be interested in" ("sich interessieren für").

This concept is an exception to the pattern identified in the grammar note: for "interesting," use "interessant" (nicht "interessierend"). "Interessiert" is still appropriate, and its opposite can be formed by adding the prefix "un-" ("uninteressiert").

Further details:

Word formation:

"das Interesse" ("interest"), "der Interessent / die Interessentin" ("male / female interested person," "interested party," "potential buyer"), "interessiert" ("interested")

Synonyms:

"jemandes Interesse erwecken," "ansprechen," "faszinieren," "reizen," "verlocken"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„interessieren“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/interessieren>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) interessiert, interessierte, hat interessiert; sich interessieren für (to be interested in)
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jdm. Wurst sein multi-word expression to be all the same

Details:

to be all the same

Literally "to be sausage to s.o.", this expression means "I don't care" or "it's all the same to me." It's a bit stonger than "es ist mir egal."

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Wurscht sein," "gleichgültig sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Wurst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurst>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

„Wurscht“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurscht>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "die Wurst" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Es ist mir Wurst!
  2. Es war ihm ziemlich Wurst, ob er mitkommen konnte.
  3. Den Fans ist es Wurscht, ob die Mannschaft gewinnt.
  1. It is all the same to me! (I don't care!)
  2. It was pretty much all the same to him, whether he was able to come along.
  3. The fans don't care whether or not the team wins.
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. CONTENT ist EXPERIENCER.dative Wurst.
  1. CONTENT is EXPERIENCER sausage.
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Details:

to be all the same

Literally "to be sausage to s.o.", this expression means "I don't care" or "it's all the same to me." It's a bit stonger than "es ist mir egal."

Further details:

Synonyms:

"Wurscht sein," "gleichgültig sein"

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„Wurst“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurst>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

„Wurscht“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/Wurscht>, abgerufen am 03.02.2022.

 

The word "die Wurst" is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

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Alternate Forms:

(er/es) ist jdm. wurst, war jdm. wurst, ist jdm. wurst gewesen
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lieben verb to love

Details:

to love

For the most part, "lieben" is used like English "to love" - it's stronger than liking, and it can apply to things like songs, a job, girlfriends / boyfriends, etc. Here's the difference in usage: in English, it is common to say that one loves one's friends, and to tell them so. In German, however, there is a different expression for this: "lieb haben," as in "ich habe dich lieb" ("I like you very much").

So while "lieben" can apply to things, when it is used for relationships between people, it indicates a very stong feeling. Thus, directly telling someone "ich liebe dich" is typically reserved for significant others or immediate family (e.g. parents / children).

Further details:

Word formation:

"(der) Liebling" ("darling"), "beliebig" ("arbitrary," "optional")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„lieben“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/lieben>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Alexander liebt seine Freundin.
  2. Ich liebe meinen Beruf.
  3. Als Teenager in den 90er Jahren liebte sie Kurt Cobain.
  4. Er liebt nur mich.
  5. Ich liebe dich!
  1. Alexander loves his girlfriend.
  2. I love my career.
  3. As a teenager in the 90s, she loved Kurt Cobain.
  4. He loves only me.
  5. I love you!
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Grammar:

Making Adjectives from Verbs

In German (just as in English), the past participles of verbs (with the "-ed" ending in English) can be used as adjectives, known as "participial adjectives." Add an adjective ending when appropriate. Even a verb's present participle can be used as an adjective. This form of the verb is similar in meaning to English "ing"-forms, and is formed in German by adding a "d" (and an adjective ending, if necessary) to the infinitive form of the verb. Adjectives formed in this way apply to the type of frame element that would fill the subject role of the verb (e.g. "überraschend," "surprising" applies to a Stimulus).

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint"), überraschen ("to surprise") (normal use as verbs)

     Jens enttäuscht seine Mutter. ("Jens disappoints his mother.")

     Das Ende der Geschichte überrascht Lena. ("The end of the story surprises Lena.")

Adjectives from Past Participles: 

Example: enttäuschen ("to disappoint") > enttäuscht

     Seine Mutter war enttäuscht, dass er bei der Prüfung durchgefallen ist. ("His mother was disappointed that he failed the test.")

     Die enttäuschte Mutter weint. ("The disappointed mother cries.")

The way frame elements are realized with the verb determine what the adjective can be used to describe. Details are given in the table below.

Subject of VerbDirect ObjectAdjective applies to:Examples
Stimulus  Experiencer  Experiencer  aufgeregt ("worked up"), schockiert ("shocked"), enttäuscht ("disappointed")
Experiencer  Content or StimulusContent or Stimulusgefürchtet ("feared"), gehasst ("hated"), geliebt ("loved")

*Note that this is not the same as passive voice, which also uses a past participle. See Grimm Grammar for infomation about passive.

Adjectives from Present Participles:

Example: überraschen > überraschend ("surprising")

     Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend. ("The end of the story was surprising.")

     Das war ein überraschendes Ende. ("That was a surprising ending.")

 

 

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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER liebt CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER loves CONTENT.
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Details:

to love

For the most part, "lieben" is used like English "to love" - it's stronger than liking, and it can apply to things like songs, a job, girlfriends / boyfriends, etc. Here's the difference in usage: in English, it is common to say that one loves one's friends, and to tell them so. In German, however, there is a different expression for this: "lieb haben," as in "ich habe dich lieb" ("I like you very much").

So while "lieben" can apply to things, when it is used for relationships between people, it indicates a very stong feeling. Thus, directly telling someone "ich liebe dich" is typically reserved for significant others or immediate family (e.g. parents / children).

Further details:

Word formation:

"(der) Liebling" ("darling"), "beliebig" ("arbitrary," "optional")

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„lieben“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/lieben>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) liebt, liebte, hat geliebt
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mögen verb to like

Details:

to like

"Etwas mögen" means that an Experiencer finds something agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but it's not the only way to express this notion (see "gefallen," "gern," and "gern haben"). Its forms are irregular, so they are given below. The subject of this verb is the Experiencer, and the Content can either be the direct object or a verb denoting an activity. When used with another verb, that verb is placed at the end of the clause in its infinitive form.

Like many modal verbs, "mögen" is irregular. Find the present tense conjugation forms in the table below.

 sg.pl.
1st pers.ich magwir mögen
2nd pers.du magstihr mögt
3rd pers.er magsie mögen
formal                 Sie mögen

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„mögen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/m%C3%B6gen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Example Sentences:

  1. Lea mag Tiere.
  2. Markus mochte das Geschenk von seiner Freundin.
  3. Kim und Angela mögen Rockmusik.
  4. Cliff mag zeichnen.
  5. Magst du Kaffee oder Tee?
  6. Ich esse gern Fisch. Fleisch mag ich nicht.
  1. Lea likes animals.
  2. Markus liked the present from his girlfriend.
  3. Kim and Angela like rock music.
  4. Cliff likes to draw.
  5. Do you like coffee or tea?
  6. I like to eat fish. Meat I don't like.
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Grammar:

What's "modal" about this verb?

The small class of words known as "modal verbs" is made up of verbs that do not denote an action (as is normally the case, e.g. "tanzen," "to dance"), but rather the way something else is experienced - that is, they express modality. So, you can indicate someone's relation to an action using modal verbs: "Sie mag tanzen" ("She likes to dance"), or "Sie muss tanzen" ("She must dance").

Modals exist in English too, and they are most often used with another verb. When this happens in German, that other verb appears at the end of the clause in its infinitive form. Modals are not typically used in the Perfekt tense, so you only have to worry about knowing the simple past (Imperfekt) form. For more information, see the examples for particular verbs or these topics in Grimm Grammar: Modals in present tense, Modals in past tense (Imperfekt).

Modalverb         Modal verb
mögenlike
wollenwant
sollenshould / be supposed to
müssenmust / have to
dürfenmay / be allowed to
könnencan / be able to
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Templates with Frame Elements:

  1. EXPERIENCER mag CONTENT.
  1. EXPERIENCER likes CONTENT.
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Details:

to like

"Etwas mögen" means that an Experiencer finds something agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory. This verb is used like its English counterpart, but it's not the only way to express this notion (see "gefallen," "gern," and "gern haben"). Its forms are irregular, so they are given below. The subject of this verb is the Experiencer, and the Content can either be the direct object or a verb denoting an activity. When used with another verb, that verb is placed at the end of the clause in its infinitive form.

Like many modal verbs, "mögen" is irregular. Find the present tense conjugation forms in the table below.

 sg.pl.
1st pers.ich magwir mögen
2nd pers.du magstihr mögt
3rd pers.er magsie mögen
formal                 Sie mögen

Further details:

More information in DWDS, the digital dictionary of the German language:

„mögen“, bereitgestellt durch das Digitale Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, <https://www.dwds.de/wb/m%C3%B6gen>, abgerufen am 04.02.2022.

 

This word is part of the vocabulary for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

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Alternate Forms:

(er) mag, mochte, hat gemocht
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