die Spannung, -en
tension · voltage
Ein Zustand, in dem etwas unter Druck steht oder eine erwartungsvolle, aufregende Atmosphäre herrscht.
Definition & meaning
Spannung is a feminine German noun: die Spannung. It has several related meanings:
-
Tension or strain
A physical, emotional, or social state of being tense or strained.- Zwischen den beiden Ländern herrscht große Spannung.
“There is great tension between the two countries.” - Die Spannung in seinem Körper war deutlich zu spüren.
“The tension in his body was clearly noticeable.”
- Zwischen den beiden Ländern herrscht große Spannung.
-
Suspense or excitement
The feeling of anticipation or uncertainty, especially in a film, book, or situation.- Der Film war voller Spannung.
“The film was full of suspense.” - Die Spannung steigt.
“The suspense is building.”
- Der Film war voller Spannung.
-
Electrical voltage
In physics and electrical engineering, Spannung means voltage or electrical potential difference.- Die elektrische Spannung beträgt 230 Volt.
“The electrical voltage is 230 volts.”
- Die elektrische Spannung beträgt 230 Volt.
-
Stretch or tension in a material
It can describe the force resulting from something being stretched or tightened.- Die Spannung des Seils muss regelmäßig überprüft werden.
“The tension in the rope must be checked regularly.”
- Die Spannung des Seils muss regelmäßig überprüft werden.
Grammar & Word origin
- Gender: feminine
- Article: die Spannung
- Plural: die Spannungen
- Genitive: der Spannung
The word is derived from the verb spannen , meaning “to stretch,” “to tighten,” or “to tense.” The suffix -ung forms a noun describing an action, process, or result. Literally, Spannung refers to the state or result of something being stretched or tightened.
The meanings “suspense” and “excitement” developed metaphorically from the idea of something being held in tension or unresolved.
Synonyms & antonyms
Meaning: tension or strain
- Anspannung — physical or mental tension; often emphasizes exertion or stress.
- Konflikt — a disagreement or opposition between people or groups, rather than tension itself.
- Unruhe — restlessness or unease; generally less neutral than Spannung.
Antonyms:
- Entspannung — relaxation or the release of tension.
- Ruhe — calmness or quiet.
- Harmonie — agreement and peaceful relations, especially as an opposite of social tension.
Meaning: suspense or excitement
- Spannung — anticipation caused by uncertainty or an unresolved situation.
- Dramatik — dramatic intensity, often emphasizing emotional or theatrical impact.
- Nervenkitzel — a thrilling or nerve-racking feeling; more strongly associated with excitement and risk.
Antonyms:
- Langeweile — boredom; the absence of excitement or suspense.
- Vorhersehbarkeit — predictability, which removes suspense.
- Ruhe — calmness or a lack of dramatic activity.
Meaning: electrical voltage
- elektrische Spannung — the precise technical expression for electrical voltage.
- Potentialdifferenz — a technical physics term for the difference in electrical potential.
There is no exact everyday antonym for electrical Spannung. In technical contexts, Spannungsfreiheit means the absence of electrical voltage.
Common phrases & collocations
- Spannung aufbauen — to build suspense or tension
- die Spannung steigt [?](vocabuo://word die%20Spannung%20steigt) — the suspense or tension is increasing
- unter Spannung stehen — to be under tension or stress; technically, to be electrically live
- elektrische Spannung — electrical voltage
- Spannung messen — to measure voltage
- in Hochspannung — in a state of great suspense or anticipation
- spannend — exciting, gripping, or suspenseful; the related adjective
- spannungsgeladen — tense or charged with suspense, emotion, or conflict
Make “Spannung” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Spannung steigt immer weiter.noun
The tension keeps rising.
Nach dem Ende des Films ließ die Spannung endlich nach.noun
After the end of the movie, the tension finally eased.
Können Sie bitte die elektrische Spannung an der Steckdose prüfen?noun
Can you please check the electrical voltage at the socket?
Hast du die Spannungen zwischen den beiden Kollegen bei der Besprechung bemerkt?noun
Did you notice the tensions between the two colleagues during the meeting?
Trotz der großen Spannungen innerhalb der Gruppe konnten wir das Projekt erfolgreich abschließen.noun
Despite the great tensions within the group, we were able to successfully complete the project.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad