bangen
Translation
to be afraid, to fear, to worry, to be anxious
Examples
Sie bangt um ihre Zukunft.
She fears for her future.
Wir bangen um sein Leben.
We fear for his life.
Er bangte vor der schweren Prüfung.
He was afraid of the difficult exam.
Grammar Patterns
((um sb./sth.)) bangen to fear/worry for sb./sth. We fear for his life.
((vor sth.dat)) bangen to be afraid of sth. He was afraid of the difficult exam.
Similar Words
sich fürchten (to be afraid of), sich sorgen (to worry)
Etymology
Related to Old High German 'ango' (narrow, anxiety), the same root as English 'anxiety' and 'anguish'. The feeling of being constricted by fear.
Memory Tips
The sound 'bang!' can make you afraid. Imagine hearing a loud 'bang' and then 'bangen' (fearing) what it was.