die Spannung
Translation
tension, suspense, voltage, excitement
Examples
Der Film war voller Spannung.
The film was full of suspense.
Die elektrische Spannung beträgt 230 Volt.
The electrical voltage is 230 volts.
Es gab Spannungen zwischen den Ländern.
There were tensions between the countries.
Grammar Patterns
Spannung ((zwischen+3)) tension between sth. There is tension between the two groups.
voller Spannung sein to be full of suspense The thriller was full of suspense.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Anspannung, Aufregung; Antonyms: Entspannung, Ruhe
Etymology
From the verb 'spannen' (to stretch, tighten) + the noun-forming suffix '-ung'. It signifies a state of being stretched, either physically or metaphorically.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'span' or a stretched rope ('spannen'). This creates tension. In a story, it creates suspense. In a wire, it's voltage.