adjectiveadjective
nervenaufreibend
nerve-wracking · nerve-racking
The German word nervenaufreibend is an adjective meaning nerve-wracking or stressful.
- It is composed of two parts:
- Nerven = nerves
- aufreibend = from "aufreiben," meaning "to wear down" or "to grind down"
So, literally, it describes something that "wears down the nerves" — causing a lot of stress or anxiety.
Similar words:
- stressig (stressful)
- anstrengend (exhausting)
- aufregend (exciting, but sometimes implying tension)
Difference:
- nervenaufreibend emphasizes emotional or mental strain specifically on one's nerves.
- stressig and anstrengend focus more broadly on situations that are demanding or tiring.
- aufregend often has a positive connotation of excitement, while nervenaufreibend is negative.
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Examples
Die Prüfung war nervenaufreibend.adjective
The exam was nerve-wracking.
Der nervenaufreibende Film ließ die Zuschauer kaum atmen.adjective
The nerve-racking film hardly let the viewers breathe.
Das nervenaufreibende Gespräch dauerte viel länger als erwartet.adjective
The nerve-racking conversation lasted much longer than expected.
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