Torschlusspanik
fear of time running out, fear of diminishing opportunities
Pronunciation
/ˈtoːɐ̯ʃlʊsˌpanɪk/
Cultural Note
Literally 'gate-closing panic' — from medieval times when city gates closed at nightfall, and latecomers panicked to get inside. Today it describes the fear that time is running out to achieve life goals, especially finding a partner or having children. It's a uniquely vivid German compound that captures a universal anxiety with medieval imagery.
📝 Example Sentences
Mit 35 bekam sie plötzlich Torschlusspanik.
At 35 she suddenly got Torschlusspanik.
Torschlusspanik ist kein guter Berater bei der Partnerwahl.
Torschlusspanik is not a good advisor when choosing a partner.
Lass dich nicht von der Torschlusspanik treiben.
Don't let Torschlusspanik drive you.
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