3 ms·

I think it would just be anticipation.

• acqq 9y ago
  Just that word wouldn't be unambiguous, e.g. (again via Wiktionary): "Often the anticipation of a shot is worse than the pain of the stick." https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/anticipation#English https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/anticipation#English Therefore: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Vorfreude https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Vorfreude
  • celticninja 9y ago
    For me anticipation would be used when it was something positive, for a negative emotions I would use dread. "Often the dread of a shot is worse than the pain of the stick."
    • acqq 9y ago
      > for me I think it's just you, see Merriam-Webster, there are 1a, 1b, 2, 3a, 3b and 4 meanings, and yours is just "1b" as far as I see. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipation https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipation Also see https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipate https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticipate
      • celticninja 9y ago
        Joyful anticipation is not a phrase I have ever heard or expect to hear. It is too forced, and whilst it may be an exact translation from the German word in question it doesn't really answer the question. In the sentence used by the GP anticipation would be the most appropriate to use.