adjective

nervös

nervous

Wenn jemand sich unruhig fühlt, viel an etwas denkt und innerlich angespannt ist.

Definition & meaning

nervös is an adjective meaning nervous, anxious, or uneasy. It describes someone who feels tense or worried, often because of uncertainty, pressure, or an upcoming event. It can also describe restless or agitated behavior.

Depending on context, it may mean:

anxious or worried: feeling uneasy about what might happen
tense or restless: unable to relax or stay still
easily irritated or strained: reacting sharply because of tension

Grammar & word origin

nervös is an adjective. Its forms include nervöser (comparative, “more nervous”) and am nervösesten (superlative, “most nervous”).

It is related to Nerv (“nerve”) and ultimately comes from Latin nervosus, meaning “sinewy” or “vigorous.” In modern use, it commonly refers to emotional tension.

Synonyms & antonyms

angespannt — “tense”; emphasizes physical or mental strain, while nervös often also suggests worry or unease.
unruhig — “restless” or “uneasy”; focuses more on difficulty staying calm or still.
aufgeregt — “excited” or “agitated”; can describe positive excitement as well as anxiety, unlike nervös, which usually suggests discomfort.
gelassen — “calm” or “composed”; an antonym when nervös means tense or worried.
entspannt — “relaxed”; contrasts with the tension associated with nervös.