das  Lampenfieber

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlampn̩ˌfiːbɐ/

💡 What exactly is Lampenfieber?

Das Lampenfieber describes a feeling of strong nervousness, tension, or anxiety that people experience immediately before or during a public performance. It often occurs with actors, musicians, speakers, or also during exams.

It's a form of social anxiety or performance anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart (Herzklopfen), sweating (Schwitzen), trembling (Zittern), or stomach issues (Magenbeschwerden). The name derives from the "Lampen" (lamps, meaning spotlights) on a stage under which one performs.

Although often perceived negatively, a certain degree of Lampenfieber can also enhance performance, as it increases concentration and energy.

⚠️ There is only this one article (das) for Lampenfieber. It's a neuter noun.

📚 The Grammar Behind the Fever

Das Lampenfieber is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is normally only used in the singular, as it describes a feeling or state.

Note: A plural form ("die Lampenfieber") is very uncommon and generally not used. Instead, one speaks of repeated or different situations in which Lampenfieber occurs.

Example Sentences

1. Vor jeder Präsentation leide ich unter starkem Lampenfieber.
   (Before every presentation, I suffer from strong stage fright.)
2. Trotz jahrelanger Bühnenerfahrung hat sie immer noch mit Lampenfieber zu kämpfen.
   (Despite years of stage experience, she still struggles with stage fright.)
3. Er versucht, sein Lampenfieber mit Atemübungen zu kontrollieren.
   (He tries to control his stage fright with breathing exercises.)
4. Ein bisschen Lampenfieber kann sogar helfen, sich besser zu konzentrieren.
   (A bit of stage fright can even help to concentrate better.)

🗣️ When and How to Use Lampenfieber?

Lampenfieber is used to describe the specific type of nervousness or anxiety associated with public performances or high-pressure situations. It's a very common word in German.

• Typical Contexts: Stage (Bühne), theatre (Theater), concert hall (Konzertsaal), lecture hall (Vortragsraum), exam situations (Prüfungssituation), job interviews (Vorstellungsgespräch).
• Usage: You can "Lampenfieber haben" (to have stage fright), "unter Lampenfieber leiden" (to suffer from stage fright), or "Lampenfieber bekommen" (to get stage fright).
• Distinction: While Angst (anxiety/fear) is a more general term, Lampenfieber specifically refers to the performance situation. Nervosität (nervousness) is often less intense than Lampenfieber.
• Intensity: The degree of Lampenfieber can vary, from mild tension to paralyzing panic.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article (das): Remember that Lampenfieber is a feeling or a syndrome. Many abstract concepts or states in German are neuter: das Gefühl (the feeling), das Glück (happiness/luck), das Syndrom (the syndrome) – and also das Lampenfieber.

For the meaning: Imagine standing under the spotlights (the Lampen 💡) and your heart races, you feel hot, and sick like you have a Fieber (fever 🔥). Lamps + Fever = Fear in the limelight!

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Regisseur den jungen Schauspieler: "Haben Sie Lampenfieber?"
Antwortet der Schauspieler: "Nein, wieso? Ist es hier dunkel?"

(The director asks the young actor: "Do you have stage fright (Lampenfieber)?"
The actor replies: "No, why? Is it dark in here?")

(This is a pun: 'Fieber' sounds like 'fewer', and 'Lampen' means lamps. So it sounds a bit like "fewer lamps". The actor pretends to misunderstand the term.)

📜 Poem about Lampenfieber

Das Herz schlägt schnell, die Hand wird nass,
Gleich geht es los, oh welch ein Graus.
Die vielen Augen, streng und klar,
Das Lampenfieber ist nun da.

Die Kehle trocken, der Verstand,
Ergreift die Flucht aus diesem Land.
Doch tief durchatmen, Mut fassen,
Dann wird die Bühne Freude lassen.

(The heart beats fast, the hand gets wet,
It starts right now, oh what a threat.
The many eyes, so stern and clear,
Stage fright (das Lampenfieber) is now here.

The throat is dry, the mind takes flight,
Escapes this land into the night.
But breathe deep now, find courage fast,
Then joy upon the stage will last.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme vor dem großen Schein,
mach' Knie weich und Hände klein (vor Zittern).
Ich bin kein echtes Fieber, heiß und rot,
doch bringe manchen in die größte Not.
Man hat mich oft auf Bühnenbrettern,
hörst du mein Opfer manchmal stottern?

Was bin ich?
Lösung: Das Lampenfieber

(I come before the spotlights shine,
Make knees go weak and hands feel tiny (from shaking).
I'm not a real fever, hot and red,
But cause some people greatest dread.
You find me often on the stage,
Hear sometimes my victim stammer on the page?

What am I?
Answer: Stage fright (Das Lampenfieber))

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

Das Lampenfieber is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Die Lampe: (The lamp) Refers to stage lighting (spotlights). Plural: die Lampen.
• Das Fieber: (The fever) Refers to the physical symptoms (feeling hot, increased pulse) reminiscent of a fever.

The combination figuratively describes the state that the "lamps" (the public eye, the limelight) can trigger in a person, similar to a "fever".