kribbelig
The English phrase 'antsy' can be translated into German as kribbelig, zappelig or hibbelig.
Meaning: restless, apprehensive and fidgety (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| kribbelig | |
| zappelig | [ˈt͡sapəlɪç] (narrow) [ˈt͡sapəlɪk] (narrow) |
| hibbelig | /ˈhɪbəlɪç/ /ˈhɪbəlɪk/ |
All three terms describe a state of being restless, apprehensive or fidgety.
Which one should you use?
While all these words mean antsy, zappelig specifically emphasizes physical fidgeting or jerky movements. In contrast, kribbelig can refer to the psychological state of being restless or the physical sensation of 'pins and needles' (tingling) on the skin. hibbelig is a common synonym for both and captures the same general sense of restless, nervous energy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
zappelig is a colloquial and informal term used to describe someone who is fidgety or restless.
How does it change in a sentence?
As adjectives, these words follow standard German declension rules, such as using ein zappeliger Junge for 'a fidgety boy'.
Did you know?
- The term hibbelig has a hidden history of movement, as it is derived from a regional variant of the verb hüpfen, which means 'to hop'.
- The word hibbelig is not standard High German across all regions but instead stems from Rhine Franconian and East Central German dialects.
- The word kribbelig is used both to describe a restless mind and the physical 'pins and needles' sensation when a limb falls asleep.
Examples in context
- Ich glaube, ich bin ein bisschen zappelig.I guess I'm a little antsy.This sentence is useful for expressing that you feel a little antsy using the word zappelig.Tatoeba #3850323 by Tamy, translation #3826718 by CK
- Ich fühle mich unruhigI feel antsy
- Ich bin ungeduldigI am impatient
- Ich werde immer ungeduldigerI am getting more and more impatient
- Ich bin gespannt und unruhig zugleichI am excited and antsy at the same time
- Ich bin zappeligI am antsy
- Er ist ziemlich zappelig heuteHe is quite antsy today
- Ich bin total aufgeregtI am totally antsy
- Ich fühle mich ruhelosI feel restless
- Er ist immer so ruhelosHe is always so antsy
- Ich kann nicht stillsitzen, bin total unruhig!I can't sit still, I am totally antsy!
- Sie ist zappelig und kann nicht warten.She is fidgety and can't wait.
- Die Kinder sind vor Vorfreude ganz kribbelig.The children are very antsy with anticipation.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are waiting for their flight results.
- MaximilianIch bin total kribbelig, wann erfahren wir es?I'm totally antsy, when will we find out?
- SarahGanz ruhig, Maximilian, wir müssen nur warten.Quiet down, Maximilian, we just have to wait.
- MaximilianIch kann einfach nicht stillsitzen.I simply cannot sit still.
- SarahAtme tief durch, es kommt gleich.Take a deep breath, it's coming soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “antsy” translations and entries zappelig, hibbelig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hibbelig, zappelig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
