Du siehst hässlich aus
The German phrase for "you look ugly" is Du siehst hässlich aus.
This phrase is used to make a direct statement about someone's appearance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Du (you), siehst… aus (look/appear), and hässlich (ugly).
Which one should you use?
The phrase Du siehst hässlich aus is a direct statement of appearance, whereas Du bist hässlich is a direct statement of being.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the separable verb aussehen (to look/appear), where the prefix aus moves to the end of the clause. To address someone formally while saying they look ugly, use Sie sehen hässlich aus.
Did you know?
- The word hässlich is built from the German word Hass, which means 'hate'. To call someone 'ugly' in German is literally to describe them as 'hate-like'.
- In a professional or formal setting, using the formal Sie sehen hässlich aus can actually sound more biting and sarcastic than the informal version because of its cold politeness.
- To avoid the harshness of hässlich, Germans often use 'litotes', such as saying nicht besonders schön ('not particularly beautiful'), to describe someone they find ugly.
Examples in context
- Du siehst hässlich aus.You look ugly.This sentence is useful for seeing the phrase Du siehst hässlich aus in context.Tatoeba #3186160 by piterkeo, translation #2549671 by CK
- Du siehst hässlich aus in diesem Hut.You look ugly in this hat.
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing about a costume for a party.
- LukasDu siehst hässlich aus in diesem Kostüm!You look ugly in this costume!
- SarahDas ist gemein, Lukas!That is mean, Lukas!
- LukasIch sage nur die Wahrheit.I am only telling the truth.
- SarahDu bist ein fieser Bruder.You are a mean brother.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aus, du, hässlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
