noun

die Unruhe, -n

restlessness · unrest

Ein Zustand, in dem man sich innerlich nicht still oder entspannt fühlt, oft begleitet von Nervosität oder Anspannung.

Definition & meaning

The word "Unruhe" refers to a state of being unsettled, anxious, or unable to remain still. It can be used in several contexts:

  1. Restlessness or agitation: A psychological or physical state where a person feels uneasy, nervous, or unable to relax.
  2. Turbulence or social unrest: A situation involving social or political instability, commotion, or public disturbance.
  3. Noise or disturbance: Sounds or activities that interrupt peace or concentration.
  4. Mechanical instability: In technical contexts, it can describe an irregular movement or "wobbling" of a machine or mechanism.

Grammar & Word origin

"Unruhe" is a feminine noun. It is formed by the negative prefix "un-" (meaning un-, non-, or lacking) and the noun "Ruhe" , which means peace, calm, or rest. Combining these two elements creates a noun that describes the literal absence of peace or rest.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Nervosität (nervousness)
  • Aufregung (excitement/agitation)
  • Hektik (hectic pace/rush)
  • Unrast (restlessness/lack of rest)
  • Aufruhr (uprising/commotion)

Antonyms:

  • Ruhe (calm/peace)
  • Gelassenheit (composure/serenity)
  • Stille (silence/stillness)
  • Frieden (peace)

Make “Unruhe” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Examples

Die Unruhe im Raum war deutlich spürbar.noun

The restlessness in the room was clearly palpable.

Manchmal verursacht Unruhe Probleme in der Klasse.noun

Sometimes unrest causes problems in the class.

Unruhe breitet sich in der Klasse aus, wenn ein Test angekündigt wird.noun

Unrest spreads in the class when a test is announced.

Unruhe breitete sich im Raum aus.noun

Unrest spread through the room.

Unruhe breitete sich unter den Schülern aus.noun

Unrest spread among the students.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).