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
entsetzlich
terribly
Used as an adverb for emphasis and means "very" or "extremely," usually in a negative sense.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung waren wir entsetzlich müde.
After the long hike, we were terribly tired.
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 schrecklich
terrible
Schrecklich and entsetzlich can both express an extremely negative evaluation. Schrecklich is the broader and more everyday choice, while entsetzlich usually points more strongly to shock, horror, or great suffering. Schrecklich fits an unpleasant experience, while entsetzlich often sounds more precise for shocking suffering.
entsetzlich
Das große Leid der Kinder nach dem Unglück war entsetzlich.
The children's great suffering after the disaster was terrible.
schrecklich
Die lange Wartezeit im kalten Bahnhof war schrecklich.
The long wait at the cold train station was terrible.
In real life
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