Ärger

Ärger is a German noun meaning trouble, annoyance, vexation, or anger. It can refer to a troublesome situation as well as to the emotional state of irritation or anger. The related verb is ärgern, meaning to annoy or to anger, and der Ärger is the noun form. In standard usage, Ärger is usually uncountable in the singular and is found with definite articles: der Ärger, sometimes verkürzt simply as Ärger in phrases like "viel Ärger" or "kein Ärger mehr."

Common expressions and usage examples illustrate its range. "Ich habe Ärger" can mean I am in trouble or I am annoyed, depending on context. Phrases such as "mit Ärger rechnen" (to expect trouble), "in Ärger geraten" (to get into trouble), and "Ärger machen" (to cause trouble) are widespread. "Ich war vor Ärger außer mir" or "vor Ärger war er außer sich" conveys being beside oneself with anger. The word can also describe a general nuisance or problematic situation, not just a personal emotion.

Related terms include Ärgernis (a nuisance or cause of trouble) and Verdruss (frustration or annoyance). The adjective ärgerlich denotes something annoying or unfortunate. In everyday discourse, Ärger is a versatile, neutral-to-negative concept that encompasses both interpersonal conflict and internal irritation.