Dictionary
anspannen
German → American English
American English
tense
Fest machen, straffen oder körperlich/geistig Spannung erzeugen; sich verkrampfen.
Bei Stress spannt sich mein Nacken schnell an.Ans pannen is often used reflexively or for muscles and nerves: sich anspannen = to tense up. In everyday German, it can also mean to harness an animal or, figuratively, to put effort into something.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “anspannen” mean in English?
“Anspannen” usually means “to tense,” “to tighten,” or “to strain,” depending on the context.
How do you use “sich anspannen” in a sentence?
“Sich anspannen” means “to tense up.” For example: “Ich spanne mich bei Stress an.” = “I tense up when I’m stressed.”
Is “anspannen” a reflexive verb?
It can be reflexive: “sich anspannen” is common when talking about muscles, nerves, or emotions.
What is the noun form of “anspannen”?
The related noun is “Anspannung,” which means “tension” or “strain.”