Angst vs. Sorge vs. Besorgnis vs. Unruhe
While English often groups fear, worry, and nervousness under anxiety, German distinguishes between these feelings more precisely. Angst represents fear or severe dread, Sorge implies worry or concern for someone or something, Besorgnis is a more formal type of apprehension, and Unruhe describes physical or mental restlessness.
Angst
A1This is the strongest term, translating to fear, fright, or intense anxiety. It refers to an immediate emotional reaction to danger or a deep, abstract dread. Angst is not just casual worry; it is the feeling of being scared or terrified.
Ich habe große Angst vor Spinnen.
(I have a great fear of spiders.)
Sie hatte Angst, den letzten Zug zu verpassen.
(She was afraid of missing the last train.)
Seine Augen waren weit aufgerissen vor Angst.
(His eyes were wide open with fear.)
Viele Menschen haben Angst vor der Zukunft.
(Many people have anxiety about the future.)
Sorge
A2This word translates best as worry or concern. It is less about immediate terror and more about a burden on your mind regarding a specific outcome or a person's well-being. Sorge typically implies that you care about the subject of your worry.
Mach dir keine Sorgen um mich.
(Do not worry about me.)
Er hat finanzielle Sorgen.
(He has financial worries.)
Die Mutter ist voller Sorge, weil ihr Kind krank ist.
(The mother is full of worry because her child is sick.)
Meine größte Sorge ist, dass es regnen wird.
(My biggest concern is that it will rain.)
Besorgnis
B2This is a formal synonym for concern or apprehension. You will often find Besorgnis in news reports, medical contexts, or official statements. It describes a state of being troubled by a specific development or possibility.
Der Arzt äußerte Besorgnis über die Blutwerte.
(The doctor expressed concern about the blood test results.)
Es besteht kein Grund zur Besorgnis.
(There is no reason for concern.)
Die Regierung sieht die Entwicklung mit Besorgnis.
(The government views the development with apprehension.)
Diese Nachricht erregte tiefe Besorgnis in der Bevölkerung.
(This news caused deep concern among the population.)
Unruhe
B1Literally translating to un-rest, this refers to restlessness, agitation, or unease. Unruhe describes the physical or mental inability to stay calm or sit still. It is often a symptom of nervousness or anticipation.
Ich spüre eine innere Unruhe vor der Prüfung.
(I feel an inner restlessness before the exam.)
Seine Unruhe ließ ihn im Zimmer auf und ab gehen.
(His agitation made him pace up and down the room.)
Eine seltsame Unruhe befiel ihn, als er wartete.
(A strange unease seized him while he waited.)
Der Kaffee hat bei mir Unruhe ausgelöst.
(The coffee triggered nervousness in me.)
Summary
To choose the right word, identify the source of the feeling. Use Angst if you are scared or terrified. Use Sorge if you are worried about a problem or a person you care about. Use Besorgnis if you are writing formally about a concerning situation. Use Unruhe if you feel jittery, agitated, or unable to relax.