verachtenswert
The English word despicable is translated into German as verachtenswert. Wiktionary also lists gemein and verabscheuungswürdig.
Meaning: deserving to be despised (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verachtenswert | |
| gemein | /ɡəˈmaɪ̯n/ |
| verabscheuungswürdig | [fɛɐ̯ˈapʃɔ͜yʊŋsˌvʏʁdɪç] (narrow) [-ˌvʏʁdɪk] (narrow) |
| schnöde |
Which one should you use?
While verachtenswert implies a deep moral condemnation, gemein is a much weaker, more colloquial term often used for petty or mean behavior. Verabscheuungswürdig is stronger than verachtenswert and carries a connotation of physical or visceral disgust or loathing in addition to moral contempt.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a masculine noun in the nominative case, the form of verachtenswert changes to verachtenswerter or verachtenswerte depending on the article used.
Did you know?
- The word schnöde carries a strange history of being related to being 'naked' or 'bald' in its ancient Germanic roots.
- In German, the root for 'estimate' or 'reckon' is transformed into a word meaning 'to despise' by adding the prefix ver- to create verachten.
- German uses the suffixes -wert and -würdig to build adjectives that mean 'deserving of' something, allowing the language to create both high praise and deep condemnation using the same logic.
Examples in context
- Er ist ein verachtenswerter Mensch.He is a despicable person.This sentence shows how to use verachtenswert with a masculine noun.Tatoeba #5614063 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5295022 by mailohilohi
- Tom hat einen besonders verachtenswerten Mord begangen.Tom has committed a particularly despicable murder.This sentence shows how to use verachtenswert to describe a murder.Tatoeba #6312324 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6312342 by carlosalberto
- Du bist verachtenswert.You're despicable.This sentence shows how to use verachtenswert to address someone directly.Tatoeba #12434751 by Waldelfe, translation #12434579 by Miktsoanit
- Die Tat war absolut abscheulich. Es ist unmöglich, solches Verhalten zu tolerieren.The act was absolutely despicable. It is impossible to tolerate such behavior.
- Sein Verhalten ist widerlich und verletzt die grundlegenden Werte unserer Gesellschaft.His behavior is despicable and violates the fundamental values of our society.
- Das Verhalten dieses Politikers ist einfach nur scheußlich!The behavior of this politician is simply despicable!
- Ich finde es abstoßend, wie er mit anderen Menschen umgeht.I find it despicable how he treats other people.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing a news report about a thief.
- MaximilianHast du den Artikel über den Dieb gelesen?Did you read the article about the thief?
- LauraJa, sein Handeln war wirklich verachtenswert.Yes, his actions were truly despicable.
- MaximilianEr hat Menschen in Not ausgenutzt.He exploited people in need.
- LauraDas ist ein absolut verachtenswerter Charakter.That is an absolutely despicable character.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “despicable” translations and entries verachtenswert, gemein, verabscheuungswürdig, schnöde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gemein, schnöde, verabscheuungswürdig, verachtenswert, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
