erschütternd
shocking
Something that moves someone deeply emotionally, shocks them, or makes them sad.
EXAMPLE
Sie erhielt die erschütternde Nachricht vom Tod ihres Freundes.
She received the shocking news of her friend's death.
erschütternd
shocking / shaking
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
erschütternd
shaking
Causing a strong physical vibration or tremor.
EXAMPLE
Die erschütternde Kraft der Explosion war noch in Kilometern Entfernung zu spüren.
The shaking force of the explosion could still be felt kilometers away.
Usage tips
Present participle as an adjective
'Erschütternd' (shocking/shaking) is the present participle form of the verb 'erschüttern' (to shake, to shock). It describes something that 'shakes' a person or thing to the core, whether emotionally or physically. The word emphasizes a deep, strong effect.
EXAMPLE
Der Film zeigt das erschütternde Schicksal der vom Krieg betroffenen Familien.
The film shows the shocking fate of the families affected by the war.
Typical collocations
In the figurative, emotional sense, 'erschütternd' (shocking) is used very frequently. Typical combinations are 'eine erschütternde Nachricht' (shocking news), 'ein erschütterndes Erlebnis' (a shocking experience), 'erschütternde Bilder' (shocking images), or 'ein erschütterndes Geständnis' (a shocking confession).
EXAMPLE
Die Zeugin machte vor Gericht eine erschütternde Aussage.
The witness made a shocking statement in court.
Context clue
The literal, physical meaning is less common than the emotional one. You can recognize it by the fact that it refers to concrete forces or events that cause a vibration, such as an explosion, an earthquake, or a loud machine.
EXAMPLE
Die Baustelle verursachte ein erschütterndes Geräusch in der ganzen Nachbarschaft.
The construction site caused a shaking noise throughout the whole neighborhood.
Compare with
erschütternd vs erschreckend
frightening
Both words can describe alarming news or events. „Erschreckend“ mainly emphasizes fear and distress, while „erschütternd“ highlights a particularly deep emotional shock or great sadness. Use „erschütternd“ when the news deeply affects someone emotionally, and „erschreckend“ for immediate fright.
erschütternd
Die erschütternde Nachricht über den Tod des Helfers machte alle sehr traurig.
The shocking news of the helper's death made everyone very sad.
erschreckend
Die erschreckende Nachricht über den Sturm machte den Bewohnern große Angst.
The frightening news about the storm made the residents very afraid.
In real life
Loading video examples...