gruselig
/ˈɡʁuːzəlɪç/
The English phrase 'scary' can be translated into German as gruselig.
gruselig is used to describe something causing fear or anxiety. In many contexts, it is more accurately translated as 'creepy' or 'spooky' rather than just 'scary'.
Meaning: causing fear or anxiety (adj)
Which one should you use?
While gruselig often implies a spooky or eerie atmosphere (like a ghost story), angstmachend is used for things that cause actual anxiety or dread.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective gruselig takes various endings depending on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies, such as gruselige.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡʁuːzəlɪç/
Did you know?
- While gruselig is for spooky things, Germans use the word schaurig for things that are 'shudder-inducing', often appearing in the phrase schaurig schön to mean 'terribly beautiful'.
- The German word gruselig is a cognate of the English word 'gruesome'.
- The root of gruselig comes from the verb gruseln, which describes the physical sensation of goosebumps or shivering from fear.
Examples in context
- Es war so gruselig.It was so scary.Tatoeba #10248137 by wolfgangth, translation #5758335 by CM
- Das war so gruselig!That was so scary!Tatoeba #11917004 by Naina, translation #11916775 by Adelpa
- Das ist ja so gruselig!This is sooo scary!!!Tatoeba #2189754 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2160872 by Hybrid
- Der verlassene Wald war angsteinflößend.The abandoned forest was scary.
- Die furchterregende Legende von Bloody Mary.The scary legend of Bloody Mary.
- Das alte Puppenhaus ist wirklich gruselig.The old dollhouse is really scary.
- Die dunkle Straße wirkte unheimlich.The dark street seemed eerie.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are watching a horror movie together.
- JuliaFindest du den Film auch so gruselig?Do you find the movie so scary too?
- FelixJa, ich kann kaum hinsehen.Yes, I can hardly look.
- JuliaDie Musik im Hintergrund ist wirklich gruselig.The music in the background is really scary.
- FelixLass uns lieber etwas anderes schauen.Let's watch something else instead.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gruselig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gruselig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
