Störung

Störung is a German noun meaning disturbance, disruption, or interference. It is derived from the verb stören and is used to describe interruptions of normal operation, nuisances, or obstacles to smooth functioning. The term can refer to physical interruptions, faults in equipment, service interruptions, or disruptive events affecting people and places, as well as unwanted interference in signals or measurements.

In science and engineering, Störung denotes an external or unwanted influence that alters a system’s behavior. In signal processing, a Störung is an undesired signal or noise that degrades transmission or measurement. In control theory and physics, disturbances are modeled as external inputs that affect system dynamics.

In medicine and psychology, Störung is used to label clinical conditions as disorders or illnesses. Examples include Angststörung (anxiety disorder), Zwangsstörung (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and depressive Störung in some diagnostic contexts. The exact diagnosis depends on clinical criteria and classification systems.

In law and public life, the term appears in phrases describing disruptions of public order or peace, and in workplace or operational contexts as “Störung im Betrieb” (disturbance in operation).

The precise meaning of Störung depends on context, ranging from a technical fault to a mental health condition or a social disturbance. It is a versatile term in German, often paired with qualifiers to specify the domain.