Language learners know that tapping into the emotional vocabulary of a new language can be both challenging and rewarding. Understanding how to express feelings in German not only enriches conversation but also deepens one’s connection with the culture. This article will explore a variety of German words for different emotions, providing their definitions and example sentences to help you use them in context.

Glücklich – Happy
“Glücklich” is the German word for a feeling of happiness or contentment. It’s used to describe a state of joy or pleasure.
Ich bin sehr glücklich, dass ich heute meine Freunde sehe.

Traurig – Sad
The term “traurig” describes a feeling of sadness. It is used when someone is feeling down or unhappy about a situation.
Sie ist traurig, weil ihr Lieblingsbuch zu Ende ist.

Verärgert – Upset/Angry
“Verärgert” signifies being upset or angry about something. It denotes a stronger feeling than just being annoyed.
Er ist verärgert, weil sein Zug Verspätung hat.

Begeistert – Excited
Being “begeistert” means being excited or enthusiastic about something. It can involve emotional anticipation or eagerness.
Die Kinder sind begeistert vom Ausflug ins Freizeitpark.

Angst – Fear
The word “Angst” represents the emotion of fear or anxiety. It is a primal emotion that can be related to a specific thing or a general feeling of dread.
Ich habe große Angst vor Spinnen.

Überrascht – Surprised
“Überrascht” is used when one is taken by surprise or did not expect something to happen.
Sie war überrascht, als sie eine Gehaltserhöhung bekam.

Genervt – Annoyed
“Genervt” indicates a lesser degree of anger, akin to irritation or annoyance.
Ich bin genervt von der ständigen Bauarbeit nebenan.

Enttäuscht – Disappointed
When expectations aren’t met, one might feel “enttäuscht” or disappointed. This word covers a range of disappointment intensities.
Er war enttäuscht, dass er bei dem Wettbewerb nicht gewonnen hat.

Eifersüchtig – Jealous
“Eifersüchtig” translates to jealous in English. It’s an emotion that involves desiring something someone else has or feeling wary about losing one’s own status or possessions to another.
Sie ist eifersüchtig auf die neue Uhr ihrer Kollegin.

Gelangweilt – Bored
The state of not being entertained or feeling uninterested in the current activity is described as “gelangweilt” – bored.
Die Schüler sind gelangweilt vom traditionellen Unterricht.

Hoffnungsvoll – Hopeful
When one feels optimism or expectation about a future event, they are “hoffnungsvoll,” or hopeful.
Er ist hoffnungsvoll, dass er die Stelle bekommt.

Verliebt – In Love
To be “verliebt” means to be in the state of love, usually in a romantic context.
Sie sind seit einem Monat verliebt und sehr glücklich zusammen.

Wütend – Furious
“Wütend” is used when someone is extremely angry or furious. It’s a more intense form of “verärgert.”
Der Chef war wütend über den Fehler im Bericht.

Emotions are complex, and the way we talk about them reflects this complexity. Knowing how to express your feelings in German can lead to more meaningful conversations and a better understanding of the language. Whether it’s the joy in being “glücklich” or the frustration when feeling “genervt”, each emotion in German provides a window into a rich emotional landscape. Keep practicing and you’ll soon be expressing your emotions like a native speaker!