Furcht

/fʊʁçt/
nounIntermediate
general

A feeling of anxiety or dread caused by the expectation of danger or pain.

Die Kinder hatten Furcht vor dem lauten Gewitter.

The children were afraid of the loud thunderstorm.

💡

Often used to describe a strong, sometimes irrational fear.

formal

Respect or awe, often for someone in a position of authority.

Er hatte Furcht vor dem Richter.

He had respect for the judge.

💡

In formal contexts, 'Furcht' can imply reverence or deference.

Collocations

Furcht haben vorto be afraid ofFurcht einflößento instill fearFurcht und Schreckenterror and dread

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Furcht und Schrecken verbreitenphrase
to spread terror

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

In formal contexts, 'Furcht' can mean 'awe' or 'reverence', not just 'fear'.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

In everyday speech, 'Angst' is often preferred over 'Furcht' for general fear.

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German 'vurht', from Old High German 'furiht', related to Old English 'fyrht' (fear).

📝Usage Notes

While 'Furcht' can mean both 'fear' and 'awe', the latter sense is more formal and less common in modern usage.

Word Breakdown

Furcht
fear or awe
root
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