German Phrase
Wovor hast du Angst?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to inquire about someone's fears or anxieties in German. It literally translates to 'In front of what do you have fear?', which highlights the German grammatical requirement of using the preposition 'vor' with the noun 'Angst'. It is used for both specific phobias and general worries.
When to use
Use this phrase in personal conversations when discussing emotions, phobias, or concerns. It is appropriate for friends, family, or in a supportive professional context like therapy.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WovorhastduAngst
Wovor
This is an interrogative adverb formed by 'wo' and 'vor', used to ask about the object of the preposition 'vor'.
Angst haben
In German, you 'have' fear (Angst haben) rather than 'being' afraid, and it is always paired with the preposition 'vor'.
🗨In Conversation
Ich will nicht in den Keller gehen.
I don't want to go into the basement.
Wovor hast du Angst? Es ist nur dunkel.
What are you afraid of? It's just dark.
✕Common Mistakes
Was hast du Angst von?
German uses the preposition 'vor' with 'Angst haben', never 'von'.
Für was hast du Angst?
Instead of 'für was', German uses the interrogative adverb 'wovor' to ask 'about what' in this context.
↔Alternatives
Was macht dir Angst?
What makes you afraid?
Wovor fürchtest du dich?
What do you fear?
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, 'Angst' is a common and direct word used for everything from a fear of spiders to existential dread. While the word has been adopted into English to mean a specific type of anxiety, in German, it remains the standard term for any type of fear.