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noun

der Nervenkitzel, –

thrill

Ein aufregendes Gefühl, das entsteht, wenn etwas spannend, gefährlich oder ungewiss ist.

Definition & meaning

Nervenkitzel is a masculine German noun meaning thrill, excitement, or suspense. It describes an intense, often pleasurable feeling of tension, danger, uncertainty, or anticipation.

It is commonly associated with:

  • dangerous or adventurous activities
  • suspenseful films and stories
  • competitions with uncertain outcomes
  • exciting experiences that make one feel nervous and exhilarated

For example, a roller coaster ride or a close sporting final can provide Nervenkitzel.

Depending on the context, it can be translated as:

  • thrill: excitement caused by danger or adventure
  • suspense: tension caused by uncertainty about what will happen
  • excitement: a more general feeling of intense enthusiasm

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: masculine — der Nervenkitzel
  • Plural: usually unchanged — die Nervenkitzel , although the singular is more common
  • Compound noun: Nerven + Kitzel

Literally, Nervenkitzel means “tickling of the nerves.” The word combines Nerven , meaning “nerves,” with Kitzel , meaning “tickle” or, figuratively, “stimulating appeal.” Its figurative meaning is an intense sensation of excitement or suspense.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • Spannung — “tension” or “suspense”; broader and often used for films, books, and uncertain situations. Nervenkitzel emphasizes the exciting, thrilling sensation more strongly.
  • Aufregung — “excitement” or “agitation”; can be positive or negative and does not necessarily involve danger or suspense.
  • Thrill — a loanword meaning an exciting or adventurous experience; more modern and informal than Nervenkitzel.
  • Adrenalinkick — an “adrenaline rush”; emphasizes the physical and biological reaction to an exciting or risky experience.

Antonyms

There is no exact single antonym, but possible opposites include:

  • Langeweile — “boredom,” the absence of excitement or stimulation.
  • Ruhe — “calm” or “peace,” emphasizing the absence of tension and excitement.
  • Gelassenheit — “composure” or “serenity,” describing a calm mental state rather than an exciting experience.

Common phrases & collocations

  • Nervenkitzel erleben — to experience a thrill
  • für Nervenkitzel sorgen — to create or provide excitement
  • Nervenkitzel suchen — to seek thrills
  • der pure Nervenkitzel — pure thrill
  • ein Film voller Nervenkitzel — a film full of suspense and excitement
  • Nervenkitzel und Abenteuer — thrills and adventure

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Examples

Er sucht den Nervenkitzel beim Fallschirmspringen.noun

He is looking for the thrill in skydiving

Viele Menschen lieben den Nervenkitzel beim gruseligen Filmabend.noun

Many people love the thrill during the scary movie night.

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