disgusting
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disgusting
Causing strong aversion or disgust, often referring to taste, smell, or appearance. It describes something that is physically repulsive.
Das alte Essen im Kühlschrank roch wirklich ekelig.
The old food in the fridge smelled really disgusting.
disgusting
Acting or being unpleasant, repulsive, or unfair. This meaning refers to a person's behavior or character.
Ich finde es ekelig, wie er hinter ihrem Rücken über sie spricht.
I find it disgusting how he talks about her behind her back.
The adjective 'ekelig' (disgusting) is derived from the noun 'der Ekel' (disgust, revulsion). The ending '-ig' turns the noun into an adjective and literally means 'causing disgust'.
Allein der Gedanke an die Prüfung löst bei mir Ekel aus.
Just the thought of the exam fills me with disgust.
Whether 'ekelig' (disgusting) describes a physical or moral aversion depends on the context. If it refers to things, food, or smells, the physical meaning is intended. If it refers to a person's behavior, the moral meaning is intended.
Der Geruch aus der Mülltonne ist wirklich ekelig.
The smell from the garbage can is really disgusting.
In its physical meaning, 'ekelig' (disgusting) is often connected with sensory perceptions or unpleasant things. Typical combinations are 'ein ekeliger Geruch' (a disgusting smell), 'ein ekeliger Geschmack' (a disgusting taste), or also 'ekeliges Wetter' (nasty weather).
Nach dem Regen war das Wetter draußen kalt und ekelig.
After the rain, the weather outside was cold and nasty.
To express moral outrage, 'ekelig' (disgusting) is often used in the structure 'Ich finde es ekelig, dass/wie ...' (I find it disgusting that/how ...). This construction introduces a subordinate clause that describes the repulsive behavior.
Ich finde es ekelig, wie er mit seinen Mitarbeitern umgeht.
I find it disgusting how he treats his employees.
disgusting
Both words can be used for something physically repulsive, such as a smell, taste, or sight. Ekelig is more common in everyday speech and usually directly describes physical disgust, while widerlich often sounds stronger and more judgmental. For particularly intense disgust, widerlich is therefore usually the better choice.
Der eklige Geschmack der verdorbenen Milch fiel mir sofort auf.
I noticed the disgusting taste of the spoiled milk immediately.
Der widerliche Geschmack der verdorbenen Milch blieb lange in meinem Mund.
The disgusting taste of the spoiled milk lingered in my mouth for a long time.
