What Does Nosferatu Actually Mean?

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Many people who’ve watched the recent horror film “Nosferatu” might not be aware of the title’s origins. Although some may recognize that it is a remake of a 1922 German expressionist movie named “Nosferatu: Symphony of Horror,” few could explain how its screenwriter, Henrik Galeen, came up with this name. The precise source of the term “Nosferatu” remains uncertain, but it is believed to stem from the old Romanian word “nesuferitu,” which means “the unbearable one” or “the repugnant one.

It is thought that the author of “Dracula,” published in 1897, Bram Stoker, encountered the term “nosferatu” in a study of Transylvanian folklore by British writer Emily Gerard. He adopted this term as a kind of alternate for “vampire” when writing his novel. Albin Grau, involved in the 1922 film “Nosferatu,” claimed to have been inspired by superstitious Serbians during World War I for the movie’s concept and title. However, the film’s narrative bore a striking resemblance to Bram Stoker’s original work, leading to controversy.

Nosferatu is an unofficial adaptation of Dracula

1922’s movie “Nosferatu: Symphony of Horror” is often seen as an unauthorized adaptation of “Dracula.” In fact, the term “nosferatu,” first used in fiction, stands for vampire in “Dracula.” The film shares many similarities with Bram Stoker’s novel, but with some character names altered. Instead of Dracula, the primary villain is Count Orlok; instead of Van Helsing, a character called Dr. Albin Eberhart von Franz takes on the role of the vampire hunter in this adaptation.

The makers of the movie incorporated just one unique aspect into the narrative; however, it is important to note that the 1922 film “Nosferatu: Symphony of Horror” was initially marketed as a free adaptation of “Dracula,” which provided Florence Stoker, the widow of Bram Stoker, with sufficient grounds for copyright infringement lawsuit against the novel by her late husband.

Initially driven by her financial struggles after her husband’s passing, as she wasn’t earning enough from “Dracula” royalties, Florence soon realized that the movie wouldn’t bring in significant profits for anyone. Nevertheless, Florence remained determined to safeguard her husband’s legacy. As a result of her efforts, a German judge ordered every existing copy of the film to be seized and destroyed. Remarkably (albeit unfortunately for the Stokers), some copies managed to evade this order, ensuring the film’s survival to the present day.

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2025-07-25 23:29