hellish
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hellish / extremely
Used colloquially as an intensifier meaning 'extreme,' 'very,' or 'enormous.' It is mostly used for negative sensations such as pain, difficulty, or noise.
Nach dem Unfall hatte er höllische Schmerzen im Bein.
After the accident, he had hellish pain in his leg.
hellish
In a literal or religious sense: belonging to hell or as if in hell.
Der Priester sprach von höllischen Qualen und der Verdammnis.
The priest spoke of hellish torments and damnation.
The adjective 'höllisch' (hellish) is derived directly from the noun 'die Hölle' (hell). So originally it describes something that belongs to hell or is like hell.
Der Lärm aus der Fabrik war einfach höllisch.
The noise from the factory was simply hellish.
The literal, religious meaning is rare. You can recognize it in a context involving religion or mythology. In almost all other cases, the colloquial meaning 'extreme' is intended.
Der Priester warnte vor dem höllischen Feuer.
The priest warned of the hellish fire.
In everyday language, 'höllisch' (hellish / extremely) is usually used as a colloquial intensifier for 'very' or 'extreme,' almost always in a negative context.
Ich habe höllischen Hunger.
I'm incredibly hungry.
As an intensifier, 'höllisch' (hellish / extremely) is often combined with negative sensations or conditions: 'höllische Schmerzen' (hellish pain), 'ein höllischer Lärm' (a hellish noise), 'höllische Angst' (terrible fear), or 'höllisch kalt' (extremely cold).
Wegen des Unfalls war die Autobahn höllisch voll.
Because of the accident, the highway was extremely crowded.
damn / damned
“Verdammt” and “höllisch” can colloquially intensify strong pain. “Verdammt” sounds like a coarse curse, while “höllisch” mainly highlights the extreme and negative degree in a vivid way. Both are possible, but they create a different tone.
Seit dem Sturz tut mein Knie höllisch weh.
My knee has hurt terribly since the fall.
Seit dem Sturz tut mein Knie verdammt weh.
My knee has hurt like hell since the fall.
