die  Besorgnis

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈzɔʁknɪs/

😟 What does "die Besorgnis" mean?

Die Besorgnis (noun, feminine) describes a feeling of unease, worry, or mild anxiety regarding a future development, a situation, or someone's well-being. It is often less intense than deep fear (Angst) but still expresses a troubling uncertainty.

Unlike concrete fear (Furcht) of a direct threat, Besorgnis often relates to potential negative events or states.

⚠️ Important: The word is always feminine (die Besorgnis) and mostly used in the singular. The plural (die Besorgnisse) exists but is rather rare and often formal.

🧐 Grammar of "Besorgnis" in Detail

The noun "Besorgnis" is feminine. The corresponding article is therefore "die".

📝 Example Sentences

1. Ihre Besorgnis um seine Gesundheit war groß. (Her concern about his health was great.)
2. Der Lehrer äußerte seine Besorgnis über die sinkenden Noten. (The teacher expressed his concern about the falling grades.)
3. Es besteht kein Grund zur Besorgnis, alles ist unter Kontrolle. (There is no reason for concern, everything is under control.)
4. Die wirtschaftliche Lage gibt Anlass zur Besorgnis. (The economic situation gives cause for concern.)
5. Trotz aller Besorgnisse blickten sie optimistisch in die Zukunft. (Despite all concerns [rare!], they looked optimistically towards the future.)

💡 How to use "Besorgnis"?

"Besorgnis" is used to express a feeling of inner unease or worry, often related to:

• The well-being of other people (e.g., Besorgnis um einen Freund - concern for a friend)
• Potential negative developments (e.g., Besorgnis wegen der Wirtschaftslage - concern about the economic situation)
• Uncertain situations (e.g., Besorgnis vor einer Prüfung - anxiety/concern before an exam)

Context: The word belongs more to elevated or formal language than the more common everyday word "Sorge". It often sounds a bit more detached or official.

Comparison with "Sorge":

• Die Sorge: Can mean both the inner worry ("sich Sorgen machen" - to worry) and responsibility ("die Sorge für die Kinder" - the care for the children). It's more common in daily life.
• Die Besorgnis: Primarily refers to the feeling of unease or mild anxiety. Sounds more formal.

Typical expressions include: Besorgnis äußern (to express concern), Anlass zur Besorgnis geben (to give cause for concern), Grund zur Besorgnis (reason for concern), tiefe Besorgnis (deep concern).

🧠 Mnemonics for "Besorgnis"

Article Mnemonic: Remember that many feminine nouns describing feelings or states and ending in "-nis" are feminine (like die Erkenntnis - the realization, die Finsternis - the darkness). So it is also: die Besorgnis.

Meaning Mnemonic: When you are sorely worried about something (like with Besorgnis), you might feel like you have a soreness in your gut. Connect the 'sore' feeling to the 'Sorg' part of Besorgnis.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Die Fürsorge: Positive care and attention for someone/something (not the worry itself).
• Das Besorgen: The act of getting, procuring, or taking care of something.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Pessimist: "Kann es denn noch schlimmer kommen?"
Sagt der Optimist: "Na klar doch!"

Translation: The pessimist asks: "Can things possibly get any worse?"
The optimist says: "Of course they can!"

(A little joke about excessive worry vs. misplaced optimism)

📜 A Little Poem

Die Besorgnis, leise schleicht,
Ein Schatten, der das Herz erreicht.
Um Zukunft, Freund und Wohl und Weh,
Tut sie im Innern leise weh.
Doch Hoffnung flüstert, sanft und licht,
Vertreibt die dunkle Wolkenschicht.

Translation:
Concern, it creeps so soft and slight,
A shadow reaching for the heart's light.
For future, friend, for weal and woe,
A quiet ache begins to grow.
But hope then whispers, gentle, bright,
And drives away the cloudy night.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Gefühl, oft still und schwer,
komm' auf, wenn Ungewissheit wär'.
Ich bin nicht Panik, nicht tiefe Furcht,
doch Sorge hat mein Herz durchfurcht.
Ich trage stets den weiblichen Schein.
Wer oder was kann ich nur sein?

Translation:
I am a feeling, often quiet and heavy,
I arise when uncertainty is ready.
I am not panic, not deep dread,
But worry has furrowed my heart instead.
I always wear the feminine guise.
Who or what am I in your eyes?

Solution: die Besorgnis (concern/worry)

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition:

The word "Besorgnis" is composed of:

• The verb stem "besorg-" (from besorgen, here in the sense of 'to worry about')
• The suffix "-nis", which is often used to form abstract nouns from verbs or adjectives and is usually feminine (e.g., die Erlaubnis - permission, die Finsternis - darkness, die Erkenntnis - realization).

This structure helps to understand why it is die Besorgnis.