hysterical
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hysterical
Behavior characterized by exaggerated, uncontrolled emotions such as fear, excitement, or anger, and often perceived as irrational.
Als sie die Spinne sah, fing sie an, hysterisch zu schreien.
When she saw the spider, she started screaming hysterically.
This word has two opposite meanings. The negative meaning describes an uncontrolled, panicked reaction. The positive, colloquial meaning describes something as extremely funny. The situational context makes it clear what is meant.
Er reagierte hysterisch auf die schlechte Nachricht.
He reacted hysterically to the bad news.
In the meaning of 'panisch' (panicked) or 'außer sich' (beside oneself), 'hysterisch' (hysterical) is often combined with verbs of expression or reaction. Typical phrases are 'hysterisch schreien' (to scream hysterically), 'hysterisch weinen' (to cry hysterically), or 'hysterisch werden' (to become hysterical).
Das Kind wurde hysterisch, als es seine Mutter im Supermarkt verlor.
The child became hysterical when it lost its mother in the supermarket.
The meaning 'extrem komisch' (extremely funny) is purely colloquial. It is used in conversation with friends, but would be inappropriate in formal situations or in written language.
Wir haben uns über seine Witze hysterisch amüsiert.
We were hysterically amused by his jokes.
funny
'lustig' and 'hysterisch' can both describe something that makes you laugh a lot. 'lustig' is the normal, neutral word for something funny or amusing. 'hysterisch' is much stronger and colloquial when something is extremely funny. The important point is that 'hysterisch' often also means that someone can no longer control their emotions well, for example because of fear or excitement. That is why learners may confuse the words. For a normal joke, 'lustig' usually fits best; 'hysterisch' only fits when something is meant to be very exaggerated or very intense.
Nach der schlechten Nachricht wurde sie hysterisch und konnte kaum noch ruhig sprechen.
After the bad news, she became hysterical and could hardly speak calmly anymore.
Der Film war so lustig, dass wir die ganze Zeit gelacht haben.
The film was so funny that we laughed the whole time.