noun
nerve
B1
Nerv: masculine noun meaning 'nerve' (anatomical nerve fiber) and figuratively 'nerves' (anxiety, courage). Gender: der. Plural: Nerven. Genitive singular irregularly des Nervs. Declines normally with cases (die Nerven, dem Nerv). No special prepositions; used in idioms (e.g., to get on someone's nerves).
Examples
Bei dieser Prüfung hatte sie starke Nerven und blieb ruhig.
She had strong nerves during the exam and stayed calm.
Das laute Hämmern ging vielen auf den Nerv, sodass sie sich über die Bauarbeiten beschwerten.
The loud hammering got on many people's nerves, so they complained about the construction work.
Der Lärm geht mir auf die Nerven.
The noise is getting on my nerves.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a thin wire (nerve) running through the body labeled 'Nerv'
nerve — identical in English
der Nerv — imagine a tough 'guy' nerve (masculine) holding a shield
Notes
Can refer to the anatomical nerve or figuratively to someone's nerves (e.g., being nervous or having nerve).