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Lampenfieber

Learn a funny, quirky German word each week with DW's Word of the Week feature. This week: Lampenfieber.

https://p.dw.com/p/RlwD
Image: AP
You stride confidently to the front of the room, and a hush settles over the audience. All eyes are on you as you open your mouth. But - wait - what's happening? Your pulse quickens, and you've forgotten what you wanted to say. Someone snickers in the back row. "Lampenfieber" has struck again! The German word for "stage fright" is a literal take on that uneasy feeling some people get in the spotlight. "Lampenfieber" translates to lamp-fever and recalls the bright lights of the stage. But you don't have to be performing to suffer from this strange affliction, so watch out. Lampenfieber can hit you any time you're in the hot seat. After all, the whole world's a stage.
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