Random German Word of the Day: “Lampenfieber” (n.) – This German word literally translates as “lamp fever” and can mean “stage fright” or “performance anxiety”. The expression comes from the hot spotlights or floorlights associated with theater stages.

Interestingly, unlike the always negatively connoted English “stage fright”, the German “Lampenfieber” can also be used to describe positive stress that actually enhances a performance – for example by increasing alertness.

Though “Lampenfieber” is most often used for situations involving artistic performances in front of live audiences, the term can also be applied to shyness in front of a camera or microphone, or to public speaking.