Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| aufgeregt | [ˈaʊ̯fˌɡəʁeːkt] (narrow) |
| erregt |
This word describes a state of being worked up, which can include both positive anticipation, such as the feeling before a trip and negative agitation or nervousness, such as the feeling before an exam.
Which one should you use?
Use aufgeregt for general excitement or when someone is feeling worked up due to anticipation or nervousness. In contrast, erregt is typically used in a physiological or sexual context and carries a much more intense or different meaning than general emotional excitement.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use erregt when they mean they are excited in a social or emotional sense. In German, using erregt in these situations can imply sexual arousal, so you should use aufgeregt instead.
Did you know?
- If a German says they are aus dem Häuschen, they are expressing extreme excitement, but literally, they are saying they are 'out of the little house'.
- The root of aufgeregt is the verb aufregen, which can also mean to provoke or annoy someone, meaning the same word can describe both a happy thrill and a heated argument.
- The word aufgeregt shares a root with the verb regen, which means to move or stir, suggesting that excitement is a physical state of being 'stirred up'.
Examples in context
- Tom war so aufgeregt.Tom was so excited.This sentence shows how to use aufgeregt to describe Tom's state.Tatoeba #10244973 by wolfgangth, translation #2548541 by CK
- Sie sah aufgeregt aus.She looked excited.This sentence shows how to use aufgeregt to describe how someone appeared.Tatoeba #1343410 by al_ex_an_der, translation #313269 by CK
- Ich bin sehr aufgeregt.I'm really excited.This sentence shows how to use aufgeregt to express personal excitement.Tatoeba #2700030 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2248228 by CK
- Ich freu mich mega auf die Party heute Abend! Das wird der Hammer!I'm super excited about the party tonight! It will be awesome!
- 108 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are talking about an upcoming concert.
- MaximilianBist du wegen des Konzerts aufgeregt?Are you excited about the concert?
- SarahJa, ich bin total aufgeregt!Yes, I am totally excited!
- MaximilianIch bin auch sehr aufgeregt.I am also very excited.
- SarahDas wird ein toller Abend.It will be a great evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excited” translations and entries aufgeregt, erregt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
