schrecklich
terrible
Describes something that is very unpleasant, awful, or of very poor quality.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war schrecklich, ich bin fast eingeschlafen.
The film was terrible; I almost fell asleep.
schrecklich
terrible
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Meanings
schrecklich
terribly
Used as an adverb to intensify another adjective or adverb and means 'very' or 'extremely'.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin heute schrecklich müde.
I'm terribly tired today.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schrecklich' (terrible) is derived from 'der Schreck' (sudden, great fear). So it originally describes something that causes terror or fear.
EXAMPLE
Ein schrecklicher Sturm zog über das Land.
A terrible storm moved across the country.
Context clue
The meaning of 'schrecklich' depends on its position. If it describes a noun, it means 'furchtbar' (terrible/awful). If it stands before another adjective or adverb, it means 'sehr' (very) or 'extrem' (extremely).
EXAMPLE
Das war ein schrecklicher Fehler.
That was a terrible mistake.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'furchtbar' (terrible/awful), 'schrecklich' is often used to describe negative events, conditions, or qualities: ein schrecklicher Unfall (a terrible accident), schreckliche Schmerzen (terrible pain), schreckliches Wetter (terrible weather).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat nach dem Sport schreckliche Kopfschmerzen.
She has terrible headaches after exercising.
Use as an intensifier
As an intensifier, 'schrecklich' (terribly) is often used in colloquial language. It can intensify both negative and positive adjectives.
EXAMPLE
Deine neue Frisur finde ich schrecklich schön!
I think your new hairstyle is terribly pretty!
Compare with
schrecklich vs furchtbar
terrible
Schrecklich and furchtbar can both express a very negative evaluation. Schrecklich is broader in everyday use and can also simply describe something of poor quality, while furchtbar can sound more dramatic or frightening. Schrecklich is usually enough for a bad film, while furchtbar often fits a distressing scene.
schrecklich
Der schlecht gemachte Film war trotz seiner schönen Bilder schrecklich.
The poorly made film was terrible despite its beautiful images.
furchtbar
Die Szene mit dem verletzten Kind war für viele Zuschauer furchtbar.
The scene with the injured child was terrible for many viewers.
In real life
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