furchtbar
/ˈfuʁçtbaːɐ̯/
The English word 'terrible' can be translated into German as furchtbar. Wiktionary also lists miserabel.
Meaning: very bad (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| furchtbar | /ˈfuʁçtbaːɐ̯/ /ˈfuʁçbaː/ |
| miserabel |
furchtbar is used to mean 'very bad'. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'awfully' or 'terribly' to intensify an adjective, such as when describing someone as 'furchtbar jähzornig' (terribly quick-tempered).
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-able' or 'causing fear'.
Which one should you use?
miserabel is considered derogatory. Additionally, Schrecklich is a common and universal way to express 'terrible' in German.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfuʁçtbaːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- In colloquial German, furchtbar can be used as a positive intensifier similar to 'terribly' in English, such as furchtbar nett for 'terribly nice'.
- The word miserabel behaves like a 'loanword' from French, which is why it feels more sophisticated or formal than the more Germanic furchtbar.
- While furchtbar and schrecklich both mean 'terrible', schrecklich is more closely linked to a sudden shock or a startle.
Examples in context
- Der Verkehr ist furchtbar.The traffic's terrible.This sentence shows how to describe traffic as furchtbar.Tatoeba #12508573 by Waldelfe, translation #12506842 by sundown
- Diese Straße ist furchtbar.This road is terrible.This sentence shows how to describe a road as furchtbar.Tatoeba #12387896 by mayabe, translation #4824069 by Hybrid
- Tom ist furchtbar jähzornig.Tom has a terrible temper.This sentence shows how furchtbar can be used as an adverb to modify an adjective.Tatoeba #3938328 by pullnosemans, translation #3832013 by CK
- Die Situation war schrecklich.The situation was terrible.
- Das Essen war furchtbar.The food was terrible.
- Der Film war mega-schlecht.The movie was terrible.
- Die Organisation war katastrophal.The organization was terrible.
- Das Wetter ist heute schrecklich.The weather is terrible today.
- Mein Flug hatte eine furchtbare Verspätung.My flight had a terrible delay.
- Dieser Kaffee schmeckt katastrophal.This coffee tastes terrible.
- Die Präsentation war mega-schlecht vorbereitet.The presentation was terribly prepared.
- Der Verkehr in der Stadt ist furchtbar.The traffic in the city is terrible.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are talking about a recent concert.
- LukasWie war das Konzert gestern, Laura?How was the concert yesterday, Laura?
- LauraEs war furchtbar schlecht.It was terribly bad.
- LukasDas ist ja furchtbar.That is terrible.
- LauraJa, die Musik war furchtbar.Yes, the music was terrible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “terrible” translations and entries furchtbar, miserabel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries furchtbar, miserabel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
