This project was based on a list of ten German words which describe incredibly specific emotions. I attempted to create motion graphics with varying levels of abstraction that capture these feelings.
All the translations below are sourced from several online resources and are my best understanding of the meaning behind the words. However, I do not speak German myself. This was a visual interpretation challenge and not a exercise in learning German but any notes on the translations below from German speakers is welcome.
1. Luftschloss - Castle in the air, longing for an unrealistic dream.
2. Torschlusspanik - a sense that time is running out, feeling like you do not have time to do
everything you want in life.
3. Fremdschämen - Second-hand embarrassment
4. Sehnsucht - intense yearning or longing, usually for a person
5. Sontagsleere - boredom and a feeling of emptiness when there is nothing to do or look forward to.
Specifically on Sundays.
6. Mutterseelenallein - a feeling of profound isolation, being utterly alone. Often used for someone
going through a hard time.
7. Abgrundanziehung - the excitement of looking down to from a high place and the strange urge to
jump.
8. Fernweh - longing for a place you've never been
9. Waldeinsamkeit - the spiritual serenity experienced while walking through the woods or
experiencing nature.
10. Gemütlichkeit - a sense of comfort and belonging in a familiar place, coziness.