Nervenkitzel
[ˈnɛʁfn̩ˌkɪtsl̩]masculine
The English phrase thrill can be translated into German as Nervenkitzel. If unsure, use Nervenkitzel. Wiktionary also lists Kitzel.
Meaning: cause of sudden excitement, a kick (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nervenkitzel | [ˈnɛʁfn̩ˌkɪtsl̩] (narrow) | masculine |
| Kitzel | /ˈkɪt͡sl̩/ | masculine |
Nervenkitzel is a masculine noun meaning a cause of sudden excitement or a kick. To describe the act of seeking a thrill or an adrenaline rush, the standard phrase is den Nervenkitzel suchen.
What does it mean word for word?
The compound noun Nervenkitzel is made up of Nerven, meaning nerves and Kitzel, meaning tickle.
Which one should you use?
While Nervenkitzel refers to an emotional thrill or rush, the word Kitzel on its alone refers to the physical sensation of being tickled.
Related words
Did you know?
- While Nervenkitzel is a positive thrill, the word Nerven is used in many common German idioms to describe stress or irritation, such as auf die Nerven gehen, meaning 'to get on someone's nerves'.
- In German literature, the concept of Nervenkitzel often appears in the context of 'Gothic' novels to describe the specific thrill of fear and suspense.
- While Nervenkitzel is the standard term, a German speaker might use the slang 'Kick' to describe a sudden rush of excitement, borrowed directly from English.
Examples in context
- Tom ist immer auf der Suche nach Nervenkitzel.Tom is a thrill-seeker.This sentence shows how to use Nervenkitzel to describe a thrill-seeker.Tatoeba #6932904 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6549897 by Hybrid
- Die Konzertbesucher wurden von der Musik in Begeisterung versetzt.The concert-goers were thrilled by the music.
- Der Kriminalroman sorgt für Spannung von der ersten Seite an.The crime novel builds suspense from the first page.
- Es war so aufregend, den Fallschirmsprung auszuprobieren. Ein echter Kick!Trying the parachute jump was so exciting. A real kick!
- Die Achterbahnfahrt war ein Nervenkitzel!The roller coaster ride was a thrill!
- Der Sprung aus dem Flugzeug war ein echter Nervenkitzel.The jump from the plane was a real thrill.
- Ich brauche einfach den Nervenkitzel beim Bergsteigen.I just need the thrill of mountain climbing.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are talking about their hobbies.
- HannahGehst du gerne klettern, Felix?Do you like going climbing, Felix?
- FelixJa, ich mag den Nervenkitzel in der Höhe.Yes, I like the thrill of being up high.
- HannahDas ist mir zu gefährlich.That is too dangerous for me.
- FelixGenau deshalb ist es so spannend!That's exactly why it's so exciting!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thrill” translations and entries Nervenkitzel, Kitzel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
