furchtbar
terrible
Very bad, awful, or frightening.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war so furchtbar, dass wir früher gegangen sind.
The movie was so terrible that we left early.
furchtbar
terrible
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Meanings
furchtbar
terribly
As an adverb to strengthen or intensify an adjective or verb; means 'very' or 'extremely'.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung war ich furchtbar müde.
After the long hike, I was terribly tired.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Furchtbar' (terrible) is derived from the noun 'die Furcht' (fear). The ending '-bar' means something like '-able' or 'full of'. Something that is 'furchtbar' is therefore literally 'fear-inducing' or 'terrible'.
EXAMPLE
Die Zerstörung nach dem Sturm war ein furchtbarer Anblick.
The destruction after the storm was a terrible sight.
Context clue
The meaning of 'furchtbar' (terrible / terribly) depends on its position. If it describes a noun, it means 'terrible'. If it stands before another adjective, it intensifies that adjective and means 'very' or 'extremely'.
EXAMPLE
Wir hatten gestern ein furchtbares Gewitter.
We had a terrible thunderstorm yesterday.
Colloquial intensifier
As an intensifying word, 'furchtbar' (terribly) is very popular in colloquial speech. Interestingly, it can intensify both positive and negative qualities.
EXAMPLE
Dein neues Kleid ist furchtbar schön!
Your new dress is terribly beautiful!
Compare with
furchtbar vs sehr
very
Sehr and furchtbar can express a high level of intensity. Sehr is a neutral intensifier, while furchtbar sounds more emotional and stronger, often suggesting a negative evaluation. Sehr suits a matter-of-fact statement; furchtbar can fit when the discomfort is clearly felt.
furchtbar
Nach dem langen Lauf war ich furchtbar müde.
After the long run, I was terribly tired.
sehr
Nach dem langen Lauf war ich sehr müde.
After the long run, I was very tired.
In real life
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