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German Phrase

Ich bin oft sehr nervös.

/ɪç bɪn ɔft zeːɐ̯ ˈnɛʁvøːs/
Meaning"I am often very nervous."
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Meaning

Literally, “I am often very nervous.” The speaker is saying that feeling nervous is a frequent experience for them, usually in situations that cause anxiety.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to explain a recurring feeling of anxiety – before exams, presentations, job interviews, or any situation that makes you uneasy. It works both in casual conversation with friends and in more formal contexts when you’re describing your emotional state.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichbinoftsehrnervös

1

Ich (personal pronoun)

First‑person singular pronoun, used as the subject of the sentence.

2

bin (sein, present)

The verb 'sein' (to be) conjugated for 'ich'. It links the subject with a description.

3

oft (frequency adverb)

Placed directly after the verb 'sein' to indicate how frequently the state occurs.

4

sehr (intensifier)

Strengthens the adjective that follows; it normally precedes the adjective.

5

nervös (adjective)

Describes a feeling of anxiety or nervousness; it does not change form in this position.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich bin oft sehr nervös, wenn ich vor vielen Leuten sprechen muss.

I am often very nervous when I have to speak in front of many people.

Das ist ganz normal, viele fühlen sich so. Du schaffst das!

That’s completely normal, many feel that way. You’ll manage!

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich bin sehr oft nervös.

    The adverb 'oft' should come directly after the verb; 'sehr' modifies the adjective, not the adverb.

  • Ich bin oft nervös sehr.

    Adjectives are not split; 'sehr' must precede the adjective.

  • Ich bin oft sehr nervöses.

    ‘Nervös’ is an adjective here, not a noun; do not add the -es ending.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich bin häufig sehr nervös.

    I am frequently very nervous.

  • Ich fühle mich oft sehr nervös.

    I often feel very nervous.

  • Ich bin leicht nervös.

    I get a little nervous.

de

Cultural Tip

In German it’s perfectly acceptable to talk openly about feeling nervous; the word 'nervös' is common in everyday speech. However, in very formal settings you might soften it with 'etwas' (a little) or use the phrase 'Ich bin etwas angespannt' instead of 'sehr nervös' to keep the tone polite.