01
hässlich
ugly
Visually unattractive; unpleasant in appearance.
example
Er fand das moderne Gebäude aus Glas und Stahl einfach nur hässlich.
He found the modern building made of glass and steel simply ugly.
hässlich
ugly
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
For behavior & character
'Hässlich' (ugly) describes not only appearance, but also mean or unfair behavior. The context (e.g., words, actions, character) makes it clear that a moral judgment is meant.
EXAMPLE
Es war hässlich von ihm, das Gerücht zu verbreiten.
It was ugly of him to spread the rumor.
For situations & events
The word is also used to describe very unpleasant or threatening situations. Typical combinations are 'ein hässlicher Streit' (an ugly dispute) or 'eine hässliche Szene' (an ugly scene).
EXAMPLE
Die Scheidung entwickelte sich zu einer hässlichen Schlammschlacht.
The divorce developed into an ugly mudslinging match.
Use as an adverb
'Hässlich' (ugly) can be used as an adverb to describe an action. It then means 'in a mean/unfair way.'
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich ihm gegenüber wirklich hässlich benommen.
She really behaved uglily toward him.
Compare with
hässlich vs schön
beautiful / nice
'schön' and 'hässlich' are opposites when it comes to appearance. 'schön' is used for things, people, or places that look good or are pleasant to look at. 'hässlich' is used when something is not visually pleasing. 'schön' can also refer to good experiences, but in this relation the focus is mainly on outward appearance. For an unpleasant experience, you do not always say 'hässlich', but often rather 'unangenehm' (unpleasant) or 'schlimm' (bad / awful).
hässlich
Die neue Lampe ist praktisch, aber ich finde sie ziemlich hässlich.
The new lamp is practical, but I find it pretty ugly.
schön
Der alte Platz in der Stadt ist besonders am Abend schön.
The old square in the city is beautiful, especially in the evening.
In real life
Loading video examples...