01
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
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Meanings
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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
'erschreckend' and 'erschütternd' both describe something very negative that has a strong effect on people. 'erschreckend' fits when something causes fear, shock, or great concern, including with numbers or developments. 'erschütternd' goes deeper: it moves you emotionally, makes you sad, or affects you deeply inside. The words can be confused because bad news can often be both. 'erschreckend' emphasizes the fright or shock more; 'erschütternd' emphasizes the deep emotional impact.
erschütternd
Der Bericht über die Familie war erschütternd, weil ihr Schicksal so traurig war.
The report about the family was shocking because their fate was so sad.
erschreckend
Die Zahl der Unfälle auf dieser Straße ist erschreckend hoch.
The number of accidents on this road is frighteningly high.
In real life
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