01
ätzend
awful
Colloquial for very bad, annoying, or unpleasant.
example
Ich finde dieses kalte, regnerische Wetter einfach nur ätzend.
I think this cold, rainy weather is just awful.
ätzend
awful / corrosive
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Ätzend' (corrosive/awful) is the present participle of the verb 'ätzen' (to destroy something chemically). The colloquial meaning is a metaphor: a situation is so unpleasant that it 'destroys' your good mood.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, diese Chemikalie ätzt die Haut!
Careful, this chemical corrodes the skin!
Context clue
The two meanings are easy to distinguish. In everyday language, 'ätzend' (awful/annoying) describes an annoying situation or person. In scientific or technical contexts (e.g., chemistry, warning labels), the literal, dangerous property is meant.
EXAMPLE
Ich hatte heute einen total ätzenden Tag im Büro.
I had a totally awful day at the office today.
Register: colloquial language
This meaning of 'ätzend' (awful/annoying) clearly belongs to colloquial language. You use it among friends or in informal situations, but not in formal texts or conversations.
EXAMPLE
Dass der Zug ausfällt, ist echt ätzend.
The fact that the train is canceled is really awful.
Compare with
ätzend vs blöd
stupid / annoying
'blöd' and 'ätzend' can both express that something is unpleasant, annoying, or bad. 'blöd' is very general and fits small problems, bad luck, or an unfortunate situation. 'ätzend' is more colloquial and sounds stronger: people often use it when something is really irritating or very unpleasant. If you only want to say that something did not go well, 'blöd' is enough. If you want to show that something really bothers you, 'ätzend' fits better.
ätzend
Nach dem Unterricht finde ich den langen Weg durch den Regen echt ätzend.
After class, I find the long walk through the rain really awful.
blöd
Es ist blöd, dass der Bus gerade heute so spät kommt.
It's annoying that the bus is so late today of all days.
In real life
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