extreme / perverse
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extremely / insanely
A colloquial expression for something that is extreme, exaggerated, or extraordinary. It can be used both negatively (enormously bad) and approvingly (incredibly good).
Auf dem Festival herrschte eine abartig gute Stimmung.
There was an insanely good atmosphere at the festival.
perverse / abnormal
Deviating from the norm in a way that is perceived as unnatural, perverse, or morally reprehensible. This meaning is strongly negative and derogatory.
Die in dem Bericht beschriebenen Verbrechen sind einfach nur abartig.
The crimes described in the report are simply perverse.
The word is made up of 'ab-' (away from), 'Art' (the norm, the type), and '-ig' (-y/-like). So it describes something that deviates from the normal 'Art' (kind/type).
Sein Verhalten war wirklich abartig.
His behavior was really abnormal.
The meaning 'extreme' or 'incredible' is purely colloquial and is often used by younger people. It can intensify both positive ('abartig gut' = insanely good) and negative ('abartig teuer' = insanely expensive) qualities.
Die Pizza in diesem Restaurant ist abartig lecker.
The pizza in this restaurant is insanely delicious.
The meaning 'perverse' or 'unnatural' is very strongly judgmental and negative. Use it only when you want to describe something extremely immoral or disgusting.
Er hat einen abartigen Sinn für Humor.
He has a perverse sense of humor.
Tone of voice and context are crucial. In casual spoken language, it usually just intensifies another word. In a serious, moral context, it describes something that is perceived as deeply wrong.
Wir hatten im Urlaub ein abartig schönes Wetter. (umgangssprachlich)
We had insanely beautiful weather on vacation. (colloquial)
crazy
Both words can colloquially describe something as extremely unusual. “Verrückt” may simply mean surprising or even be intended approvingly, whereas “abartig” is often much more derogatory and, depending on the context, can suggest something unnatural or morally reprehensible. For a neutral expression of surprise, “verrückt” is usually more appropriate.
Die abartige Idee, nachts im See zu schwimmen, fanden die Freunde völlig verantwortungslos.
The outrageous idea of swimming in the lake at night struck the friends as completely irresponsible.
Die verrückte Idee, nachts im See zu schwimmen, fanden die Freunde trotzdem spannend.
The crazy idea of swimming in the lake at night still sounded exciting to the friends.
