to die of fear
The German phrase "vor Angst sterben" directly translates to "to die of fear" in English. It is an idiomatic expression used to describe an extreme level of fear or anxiety that one is experiencing. This phrase is not meant to be taken literally, as it is a hyperbole used to emphasize the intensity of the fear. It can be used in various contexts, such as in response to a terrifying story, a frightening situation, or a daunting challenge.
He could have almost died of fear when he received the news.
This phrase is figurative, meaning the person was extremely scared or shocked. It is quite common in German to hyperbolize feelings to the point of extreme consequences, in this case, death.
Afraid she might miss the train, she ran as fast as she could.
The expression 'vor Angst sterben' is used here to express extreme worry or stress over a certain event or situation. The sentence implies that the fear was so intense it gave motivation for the woman to run quickly.
Scared of losing his job, he worked beyond the normal working hours.
Using 'vor Angst sterben' in this sentence adds emphasis and paints a picture of desperation or the urgency of the matter.