furchtbar
/ˈfuʁçtbaːɐ̯/
The English phrase 'awful' can be translated into German as furchtbar or schrecklich.
Meaning: very bad (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| furchtbar | /ˈfuʁçtbaːɐ̯/ /ˈfuʁçbaː/ |
| schrecklich | /ˈʃʁɛklɪç/ |
Both words are used to describe something that is very bad. In colloquial German, they also function as intensifiers to mean 'very' or 'extremely', much like how 'awful' is used in English (for example, to say something is 'awfully cold').
What does it mean word for word?
The word furchtbar is composed of furcht (fear) and the suffix -bar (able to be), literally meaning 'fear-inducing' or 'terrible'. The word schrecklich is derived from Schreck (fright/terror), literally meaning 'causing fright'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb to modify an adjective, schrecklich does not take an ending.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfuʁçtbaːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- While furchtbar and schrecklich imply something is 'fear-inducing', a German speaker might use them to describe something as simple as a piece of cake being 'furchtbar lecker' (awfully delicious).
- The suffix -bar in furchtbar is a cognate of the English suffix -able, which is why it literally means 'fear-able'.
- While furchtbar and schrecklich are synonyms, schrecklich is more likely to be used for a sudden shock, while furchtbar often refers to a prolonged state of misery.
Examples in context
- Er sieht furchtbar aus.He looks awful.This sentence shows how to use furchtbar to describe an appearance.Tatoeba #9985449 by wolfgangth, translation #8477907 by CH
- Tom sah schrecklich aus.Tom looked awful.This sentence shows how to use schrecklich to describe an appearance.Tatoeba #5102647 by Manfredo, translation #5102510 by CK
- Der Film war schrecklich.The movie was awful.This sentence shows how to use schrecklich to describe a film.Tatoeba #7808392 by bonny37, translation #4494872 by CK
- Das Essen im Restaurant war schrecklich.The food at the restaurant was awful.
- Der Unfall war furchtbar.The accident was awful.
- Das Wetter hier ist echt mistig.The weather here is really awful.
- Der Film gestern Abend war wirklich scheußlich.The movie last night was truly awful.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing a meal they just ate.
- FelixDas Essen war furchtbar.The food was awful.
- HannahIch stimme dir zu, Felix.I agree with you, Felix.
- FelixWir sollten nicht mehr hier essen.We should not eat here anymore.
- HannahJa, das war wirklich ein Fehler.Yes, that was really a mistake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “awful” translations and entries furchtbar, schrecklich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
