erschrecken
frighten · scare · be startled
Plötzlich Angst oder Schreck bekommen, weil etwas Unerwartetes passiert.
The German word "erschrecken" is a verb that means "to scare" or "to frighten". It is derived from the adjective "schrecklich," which means "terrible" or "dreadful." "Erschrecken" can also refer to the sensation of being startled or receiving a shock.
Similar words in German include "fürchten" (to fear), "ängstigen" (to alarm), and " erschrecken" (to shock).
Difference
- Fürchten focuses more on the internal feeling of fear or concern.
- Ängstigen emphasizes causing anxiety or distress.
- Erschrecken specifically addresses a sudden reaction to fear or surprise, often unintended.
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Examples
Kinder erschrecken oft während eines Gewitters.verb
Children often get frightened during a thunderstorm.
Wann hast du zuletzt jemanden aus Versehen erschreckt?verb
When did you last accidentally scare someone?
Als das Glas herunterfiel, erschrak ich so sehr, dass ich erst mal tief durchatmen musste.verb
When the glass fell down, I was so startled that I first had to take a deep breath.
Ich wollte dich nicht erschrecken, also habe ich leise an die Tür geklopft.verb
I didn’t want to frighten you, so I knocked quietly on the door.
Hast du keine Angst, dass du die schlafende Katze erschreckst?verb
Are you not afraid that you will frighten the sleeping cat?
Wirst du ihn mit dieser Maske erschrecken?verb
Will you scare him with this mask?
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