01
fürchterlich
terrible
Very bad, unpleasant, or awful. It describes a negative quality or experience.
example
Wir hatten gestern ein fürchterliches Gewitter.
We had a terrible thunderstorm yesterday.
fürchterlich
terrible
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'fürchterlich' (terrible/terribly) is derived from 'die Furcht' (fear). Literally, it describes something that causes fear or is so intense that it seems frightening.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund hatte fürchterliche Angst vor dem lauten Knall.
The dog was terribly afraid of the loud bang.
Context clue
You can tell from context whether 'fürchterlich' is meant negatively ('schrecklich' — terrible) or only as an intensifier ('sehr' — very). In connection with negative things, it means 'terrible'; in connection with positive or neutral things, it means 'extremely'.
EXAMPLE
Das war ein fürchterlicher Fehler.
That was a terrible mistake.
Typical collocations
In its negative meaning, 'fürchterlich' (terrible) is often used to describe unpleasant states or events. Typical combinations are 'fürchterliche Schmerzen' (terrible pain), 'ein fürchterlicher Unfall' (a terrible accident), or 'fürchterlicher Lärm' (terrible noise).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des fürchterlichen Wetters wurde das Konzert abgesagt.
Because of the terrible weather, the concert was canceled.
Register
The use of 'fürchterlich' (terribly) as an intensifier, especially in positive statements, is very common mainly in spoken colloquial language.
EXAMPLE
Diese Pizza schmeckt fürchterlich gut!
This pizza tastes terribly good!
Compare with
fürchterlich vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'fürchterlich' can both intensify a statement. 'sehr' is neutral and fits positive, negative, and factual statements. 'fürchterlich' as an intensifier also means 'very' or 'extremely', but it sounds more emotional and often rather negative. Learners may confuse the words because both can stand before adjectives, for example 'sehr müde' (very tired) and 'fürchterlich müde' (terribly tired). But 'fürchterlich' does not always fit: 'fürchterlich schön' is possible, but sounds strongly colloquial or ironic. In addition, 'fürchterlich' also has its own meaning of 'terrible' or 'very unpleasant'.
fürchterlich
Nach drei Stunden im Stau war Herr Braun fürchterlich genervt.
After three hours in traffic, Mr. Braun was terribly annoyed.
sehr
Der Lehrer erklärt die Aufgabe sehr ruhig.
The teacher explains the task very calmly.
In real life
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