What does “gespannt sein” mean in German?

Gespannt sein literally means “to be tense” or “strung,” like a bowstring pulled taut — but Germans use it for excited anticipation, not stress. Ich bin gespannt, wie Lisa reagiert means “I can’t wait to see how Lisa reacts,” not “I’m anxious about it.” The image is energy held ready to release — exactly the feeling of waiting to find out something good.

It pairs naturally with auf or a wie/ob clause: gespannt auf die Party (“looking forward to the party”), gespannt, ob es klappt (“curious whether it’ll work out”). In the clip, two friends planning a chocolate-museum birthday party use it right at the payoff moment — once the whole surprise is arranged, being gespannt is what’s left to feel.