Abscheu
/ˈʔapʃɔʏ̯/
The English word "abomination" is translated into German as Abscheu.
Depending on the specific nuance of the word "abomination" you wish to convey, other terms may be more appropriate. For example, if you are referring to something frightening or terrible, you might use Das Gräuel. If you want to emphasize the repulsiveness, horror or atrociousness of a thing, use Die Abscheulichkeit. When describing an abomination in the specific context of a heinous crime or act, the term Die Greueltat is used.
Meaning: something abominable (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Abscheu is the default term for an abomination, Das Gräuel is used for something frightening or terrible, Die Abscheulichkeit is used to highlight horror or atrociousness and Die Greueltat is specifically used for a heinous act or crime.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔapʃɔʏ̯/
Did you know?
- The word Abscheu shares a common root with the English word 'shy'. Both words stem from the ancestral idea of being wary or physically turning away from something.
- The term Gräuel often carries a biblical weight of 'dread' or 'horror'. In historical German texts, it is frequently used to describe divine wrath or ancient catastrophes.
- The word Abscheu is a close linguistic relative of the Dutch afschuw and the Swedish avsky. These words all maintain the same structural meaning across the Germanic branch.
Examples in context
- Die Musik aus dem Radio ist abscheulich.The music on the radio is an abomination.This sentence shows how to use the concept of an abomination when describing music.Tatoeba #3348463 by al_ex_an_der, translation #10647632 by DJ_Saidez
- Das Verbrechen war ein Gräuel für die ganze Gemeinde.The crime was an abomination to the entire community.
- Der Angriff auf die Zivilbevölkerung war eine Abscheulichkeit.The attack on the civilian population was an abomination.
- Der Mord an dem Unschuldigen war eine schreckliche Greueltat.The murder of the innocent was a terrible abomination.
- Sein Verhalten löste bei ihr großen Abscheu aus.His behavior caused great disgust in her.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are looking at a poorly designed building.
- JulianSchau dir dieses Haus an.Look at this house.
- HannahEs ist ein totaler Abscheu.It is a total abomination.
- JulianIch kann es kaum glauben.I can hardly believe it.
- HannahDas Design ist wirklich schrecklich.The design is really terrible.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Abscheu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Abscheu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
