die Anspannung
Translation
tension, strain, stress
Examples
Die Anspannung vor der Prüfung war groß.
The tension before the exam was high.
Man spürt die Anspannung in seinen Muskeln.
You can feel the tension in his muscles.
Grammar Patterns
the tension ((before sth.)) die Anspannung vor+3 The tension before the game is high.
the tension ((in sth.)) die Anspannung in+3 I can feel the tension in the air.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Spannung, Stress; Antonym: Entspannung (relaxation)
Etymology
From the verb 'anspannen' (to tense). 'an-' (on) + 'spannen' (to stretch, to tense) + '-ung' (noun suffix).
Memory Tips
Think of 'spanning' a rope until it's tight. That's 'Anspannung'. The opposite, 'Entspannung', is like 'un-spanning' it.