Feelings

1. Ich freue mich

   I'm glad

   Usage

   The core German way of expressing gladness. "Ich freue mich über" is about something that happened; "ich freue mich auf" is looking forward to something

2. Ich bin glücklich

   I'm happy

   Usage

   Deep, lasting contentment. It is heavier than the English "happy", so for everyday small pleasures "ich freue mich" fits better

3. Ich bin aufgeregt

   I'm excited

   Usage

   Covers both anticipation and nerves — before an exam as much as before a trip. Context decides which

4. Ich bin stolz

   I'm proud

   Usage

   "Ich bin stolz auf dich" is warm between people who know each other; from a stranger it sounds condescending

5. Ich bin erleichtert

   I'm relieved

   Usage

   For when a worry lifts. Literally "lightened"

6. Ich bin dankbar

   I'm grateful

   Usage

   Heavier than "danke" — save it for someone who really went out of their way

7. Das gefällt mir sehr

   I really like it

   Usage

   The natural compliment for food, a view or a purchase. Literally "that pleases me" — the thing liked is the subject

8. Du fehlst mir

   I miss you

   Usage

   For family and friends; the polite form is "Sie fehlen mir". It works for places too: "diese Stadt wird mir fehlen"

   Grammar Note

   Literally "you are lacking to me" — the subject and object are the reverse of English

9. Ich bin traurig

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For low spirits. If they ask why, you can answer with another card

10. Wie schade

    What a shame

    Usage

    The standard sympathetic response to bad news or a cancelled plan. "Schade!" on its own works, and it is safe with anyone

11. Ich bin enttäuscht

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    A calm way to tell a hotel or tour operator they fell short. Germans do not consider a clear complaint rude, so this alone carries weight

12. Ich fühle mich einsam

    I feel lonely

    Usage

    An opening when travelling solo. "Ich bin allein" states a fact; this one describes the feeling

13. Ich habe Heimweh

    I'm homesick

    Usage

    Literally "home ache". Its opposite, "das Fernweh" — an ache for far places — is one of German's famous words and describes the traveller's own condition

14. Ich bin wütend

    I'm angry

    Usage

    Strong anger. In a complaint, "ich bin enttäuscht" or "ich bin nicht zufrieden" usually gets you further

15. Das nervt

    That's annoying

    Usage

    The everyday phrase for mild irritation — a queue, a noise. Aimed at a person ("du nervst") it becomes a direct reproach, so avoid that

16. Ich habe Angst

    I'm scared

    Usage

    Literally "I have fear". A workable reason to decline a ride or an activity: "ich habe Höhenangst" is a fear of heights

17. Ich bin überrascht

    I'm surprised

    Usage

    For a sudden turn of events — not the lasting fear of "ich habe Angst"

18. Ich mache mir Sorgen

    I'm worried

    Usage

    Literally "I make myself worries". For anxiety about luggage, health or a connection: "ich mache mir Sorgen um meinen Anschluss"

19. Ich bin gestresst

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    A loan from English, understood at any age. A natural reason for asking to stop and rest

20. Das ist mir zu viel

    It's too much for me

    Usage

    For when the crowds or the schedule are beyond you. A natural lead-in to asking for a break, and a graceful way to decline

21. Das ist mir peinlich

    That's embarrassing

    Usage

    The set phrase after an awkward slip-up. It is about your own situation, so it is safe with anyone

22. Ich bin schüchtern

    I'm shy

    Usage

    A lasting trait, and a graceful reason to decline singing or dancing in public

23. Mir ist langweilig

    I'm bored

    Usage

    "Mir ist langweilig" is about you; "das ist langweilig" judges the thing. Do not say the second in front of the person who arranged it

    Grammar Note

    An impersonal construction. Saying "ich bin langweilig" means you are a boring person

24. Ich bin müde

    I'm tired

    Usage

    Covers both fatigue and sleepiness. A polite way to call it a day, or to explain why you want a massage

25. Ich bin erschöpft

    I'm exhausted

    Usage

    Stronger than "müde" — for after a long hike or a long journey

26. Ich fühle mich wohl

    I feel at ease

    Usage

    A compliment a host is glad to hear about their place, and also a way to say "I'm all right now" when someone has been worrying

27. Ich bin verwirrt

    I'm confused

    Usage

    Show it when directions lose you and the other person will start again. Softer than a flat "ich verstehe nicht"

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