ekelhaft
/ˈʔeːkl̩haft/
The German word for 'gross' (meaning causing disgust) is ekelhaft. Wiktionary also lists Ekel erregend.
Meaning: causing disgust (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| ekelhaft | /ˈʔeːkl̩haft/ /ˈʔeːkəlhaft/ |
| Ekel erregend |
The term ekelhaft is used to describe something that causes a feeling of disgust. Note that while the English word 'gross' can sometimes refer to a total amount before deductions, the German word ekelhaft is strictly limited to the sensation of disgust.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ekelhaft takes standard inflectional endings when placed before a noun, such as ein ekelhafter Geruch (a gross smell).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔeːkl̩haft/
Did you know?
- If a German speaker finds something truly repulsive, they might use the phrase das ist zum Kotzen, which literally means 'that is for vomiting'.
- In some regions, the word bäh is used as a standalone exclamation of disgust, acting as a non-verbal 'gross' often taught to toddlers.
- If you want to describe someone as acting in a disgusting or repulsive manner, you might call them ekelhaft, but you can also use the noun Ekelpaket to mean a 'disgusting person' or a 'brat'.
Examples in context
- Das ist so ekelhaft.That's so gross.This sentence shows how to use ekelhaft to emphasize how gross something is.Tatoeba #10244944 by wolfgangth, translation #2251248 by CK
- Das ist ekelhaft.That's gross.This sentence shows a basic way to state that something is gross.Tatoeba #1184986 by jakov, translation #1462021 by Spamster
- Dieser Typ ist ekelhaft.This guy is gross.This sentence shows how to use ekelhaft to describe a person.Tatoeba #8568137 by felix63, translation #11267765 by DJ_Saidez
- Das Essen war unappetitlichThe food was gross.
- Das Fleisch riecht wirklich unappetitlich.The meat smells really gross (formal).
- Der Geruch ist ekelhaftThe smell is gross.
- Der Anblick ist abscheulichThe sight is gross.
- Das schmeckt echt ekligThat tastes really gross.
- Seine Manieren sind total abstoßendHis manners are completely gross.
- Diese Konsistenz ist abstoßend.This texture is gross (informal).
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are looking at a spoiled piece of fruit in the kitchen.
- JulianSchau dir diese Erdbeere an, Hannah.Look at this strawberry, Hannah.
- HannahOh nein, die ist total ekelhaft.Oh no, it is totally disgusting.
- JulianSie riecht auch sehr schlecht.It smells very bad too.
- HannahWir sollten sie sofort wegwerfen.We should throw it away immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gross” translations and entries ekelhaft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
