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 GermanWhat does it mean?
Der Herbstblues is a compound ofHerbst(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.