How to Use German Words to Enhance Your English Vocabulary29

Übermensch (n.): a person of extraordinary abilities or power

Example: She was an übermensch in the field of science, her discoveries revolutionizing our understanding of the world.

Schadenfreude (n.): pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others

Example: It was hard to hide her schadenfreude when she heard about her rival's downfall.

Wanderlust (n.): a strong desire to travel

Example: The allure of distant lands ignited a deep wanderlust within him, driving him to embark on countless journeys.

Zeitgeist (n.): the prevailing cultural, intellectual, and moral climate of an era

Example: The zeitgeist of the 1960s was characterized by a spirit of rebellion and social change.

Doppelgänger (n.): a double or counterpart of a person, especially one that is seen as a harbinger of bad luck

Example: She couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen her doppelgänger, a chilling indication of impending doom.

Gemütlichkeit (n.): a feeling of warmth, coziness, and contentment

Example: The dimly lit tavern exuded a gemütlichkeit that instantly put her at ease.

Angst (n.): a feeling of deep anxiety or dread

Example: An inexplicable angst gnawed at him, leaving him in a perpetual state of unease.

Aufheben (v.): to preserve, elevate, or cancel something

Example: The museum's mission was to aufheben the cultural heritage of the region, safeguarding it for future generations.

Fernweh (n.): a longing for faraway places

Example: A deep fernweh ached within her, a yearning to escape the mundane and embrace the unknown.

Waldeinsamkeit (n.): a feeling of solitude and tranquility experienced in a forest

Example: As she walked through the dense forest, she was enveloped by a profound waldeinsamkeit, feeling at once isolated and deeply connected.

Lebensfreude (n.): a zest for life

Example: He lived his life with unwavering lebensfreude, embracing every moment with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Torschlusspanik (n.): a fear of missed opportunities, especially as one approaches a certain age

Example: As she neared her 40th birthday, a twinge of torschlusspanik gripped her, a nagging sense that time was running out.

Weltschmerz (n.): a feeling of profound sadness and disillusionment with the world

Example: He was consumed by a deep weltschmerz, a sense of cosmic despair that left him questioning the meaning of existence.

Zeitnot (n.): a state of extreme time pressure

Example: Under the relentless zeitnot of the deadline, she toiled tirelessly, desperately trying to meet the impossible.

Schnapsidee (n.): a crazy or foolish idea

Example: It was a complete schnapsidee to try to climb the mountain in a blizzard.

2025-01-27

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