01
entsetzlich
terrible
Something that causes horror, shock, or great suffering; awful, dreadful.
example
Die Nachrichten berichteten von einem entsetzlichen Unfall auf der Autobahn.
The news reported a terrible accident on the highway.
entsetzlich
terrible / terribly
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Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
'Entsetzlich' (terrible/terribly) is derived from the verb 'sich entsetzen' (to be horrified), which means 'sich erschrecken' (to get frightened) or 'schockiert sein' (to be shocked). Something 'Entsetzliches' (terrible) therefore causes horror.
EXAMPLE
Der Anblick der Zerstörung war entsetzlich.
The sight of the destruction was terrible.
Context clue
If 'entsetzlich' comes before a noun, it means 'schrecklich' (terrible) (meaning 1). But if it comes before another adjective or adverb, it functions as an intensifier and means 'extrem' (extremely) or 'sehr' (very) (meaning 2).
EXAMPLE
Das war eine entsetzliche Vorstellung. (Bedeutung 1)
That was a terrible performance. (Meaning 1)
Strong expression
In the meaning 'schrecklich' (terrible), 'entsetzlich' (terrible) is a very strong word. It expresses deep shock, horror, or disgust and is used for truly bad events or conditions.
EXAMPLE
Die Lebensbedingungen im Lager waren entsetzlich.
The living conditions in the camp were terrible.
Typical collocations
As an intensifier, 'entsetzlich' (terribly) is often combined with negative feelings or states. Typical combinations are: 'entsetzlich müde' (terribly tired), 'entsetzlich langweilig' (terribly boring), 'entsetzlich kalt' (terribly cold), or 'entsetzlich teuer' (terribly expensive).
EXAMPLE
Mir ist heute entsetzlich kalt.
I'm terribly cold today.
Compare with
entsetzlich vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'entsetzlich' can both be used for emphasis. 'sehr' is neutral and works in many positive, negative, and factual situations. As an intensifier, 'entsetzlich' means more like 'extremely' and sounds much stronger. It is especially suitable for negative feelings or unpleasant states, for example pain, fear, cold, or tiredness. The words can be confused because both increase intensity. But 'entsetzlich' is not neutral: it makes the sentence more dramatic and usually more negative. For normal emphasis, 'sehr' is safer.
entsetzlich
Am Abend war Hannes entsetzlich müde und wollte nur noch schlafen.
In the evening, Hannes was terribly tired and only wanted to sleep.
sehr
Am Montag ist sie sehr konzentriert in den Unterricht gegangen.
On Monday, she went to class very focused.
In real life
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