ängstlich

anxious, fearful, apprehensive

adjective ENGS-tlikh Rare

Also means

timid, nervous

Usage Note

ängstlich describes a generally anxious temperament rather than a single moment of fear (erschrocken). It ranges from mild nervousness to a personality trait: ein ängstlicher Mensch — a timid, anxious person. Mildly negative but not harshly so.

Examples

"Das ängstliche Mädchen traute sich kaum, im Unterricht eine Frage zu stellen."

Natural Translation

The anxious girl barely dared to ask a question in class.

Literal Translation

The anxious girl dared herself barely, in the lesson a question to ask.

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