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Endzeitstimmung

Anne-Sophie BrändlinJanuary 17, 2014

Sometimes it feels like the world has come to an end.

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View of the frozen ground near New York on January 7, 2014, Photo: Reuters
Image: Reuters

The Mayans apparently thought it was going to be December 21, 2012. Depending on the kind of day you've had, you might feel like it could come any second now.

The end of the world remains elusive. But an Endzeitstimmung can turn up regularly. The term, literally meaning "end times mood," is used to describe an apocalyptical frame of mind.

The recent polar vortex that struck the North American East Coast certainly led to a bit of Endzeitstimmung. Heavy snowfall, ice storms, and temperatures lower than the North Pole can make anyone feel like the end of time is nigh. So you better learn this German word before it's too late.