Why do I need to know Herbstblues?
Der Herbstblues (pronounced like this) means the autumn blues: a mild, seasonal slump marked by lower motivation, a touch of melancholy and a craving for cosy comforts.
You’ll hear it in small talk, lifestyle pieces and even shop ads once the summer is over. It’s a handy everyday term – less clinical than Herbstdepression (seasonal depression), which would imply a diagnosable condition.
READ ALSO: How to prepare for autumn like a German
What does it mean?
Der Herbstblues is a compound of Herbst (autumn) and Blues (borrowed from English), so literally “autumn blues.” It’s used to describe feeling a bit flat when the light fades, the Nebel (fog) creeps in and routines ramp back up after summer.
In Germany, the start of autumn can often bring with it the Altweibersommer – or Indian summer – complete with sunny days and dazzling blue skies. However, throughout September the days rapidly get shorter – culminating with the clocks going back in late October.
With the evenings closing in fast, and chilly days replacing warm summer evenings, many people find themselves in experiencing a Stimmungstief, or sudden low mood.
So, if your mood dips with the light and you find yourself reaching for a blanket and a book, 'der Herbstblues' is the word that captures this feeling.
Use it like this:
Ich hab gerade voll den Herbstblues. Mir fehlt die Sonne.
I’ve really got the autumn blues right now. I miss the sun.
Ein Spaziergang im Wald hilft mir gegen den Herbstblues.
A walk in the woods helps me beat the autumn blues.
Mit Tee, Suppe und guter Musik krieg ich den Herbstblues in den Griff.
With tea, soup and good music I keep the autumn blues under control.
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