ängstigkeit

ängstigkeit is a German noun derived from the verb ängstigen, meaning “to frighten” or “to fear.” It is commonly translated into English as “anxiety,” “fearfulness,” or “timidity.” The term encapsulates both an emotional (psychological) state and an observable demeanor characterized by apprehensive or cautious behavior. Historically, ängstigkeit has been used in medical literature since the 18th century, appearing in treatises on melancholia and nervous disorders. The root “ängst-” relates to the Old High German *ängurst* and is connected to the ancient Indo-European root *h1engʰ-*, denoting fear or fright.

In contemporary psychology, ängstigkeit is understood as a spectrum ranging from mild nervous tension to clinical anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Diagnostic criteria proposed by the DSM-5 and ICD-11 detail specific symptom clusters, including excessive worry, physiological arousal, and avoidance behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are frequently employed treatment modalities.

The concept is also reflected in literature, poetry, and film, often symbolizing the human confrontation with the unknown or the self’s internal struggle. In German-speaking culture, ängstigkeit can carry stigma, yet campaigns in recent years have promoted mental‑health literacy and destigmatization.

Related terms include Angst, Nervosität, und Ängstlichkeit. For a broader context, see Anxiety disorders and German language roots.