Hochgefühl

Hochgefühl, literally “high feeling,” is a German noun that denotes a state of intense positive emotion, elation, or exhilaration. It describes a strong, often temporary mood elevation that can follow successes, praise, social interaction, or engaging experiences such as music, sports, or celebrations.

The term combines hoch (high, elevated) and Gefühl (feeling). In everyday German, Hochgefühl is used to express spontaneous joy or triumph and is predominantly colloquial or literary. In clinical contexts the more formal term Euphorie is used to describe a clinically significant elevation of mood, whereas Hochgefühl signals a normal, non-pathological positive affect.

In psychology and psychiatry, Hochgefühl is not a diagnostic category. Elevated mood can occur as part of various emotional states, including benign happiness or excitement, but may also appear in manic or hypomanic episodes within bipolar disorder, especially when accompanied by energy, impulsivity, or decreased need for sleep. The term remains primarily descriptive of subjective experience rather than a medical assessment.

Culturally, Hochgefühl is frequently used in German-language literature, journalism, and music to convey exuberance, thrill, or the uplift of a moment. It can be contrasted with negative or subdued affect such as Niedergeschlagenheit (depression) or Gleichgültigkeit (indifference). See also euphorie, positive affect, mood.