Du bist hässlich
The English phrase "you're ugly" is translated into German as Du bist hässlich.
The word hässlich specifically refers to physical or aesthetic ugliness, whereas ungeschickt would be used for someone who is 'clumsy' or 'ugly' in their movements.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Du bist hässlich uses the informal singular du (you), which is appropriate for friends, children or peers, but would be considered rude if used with a stranger or superior. If you are addressing a group of people informally, use Ihr seid hässlich instead of the singular Du bist hässlich. To say 'you are ugly' in a formal context, use the polite form Sie sind hässlich.
Did you know?
- The word hässlich is built from the root of Hass, which means 'hate'. Telling someone they are hässlich is etymologically linked to telling them they are 'hate-able'.
- In German, calling someone hässlich is a strong personal attack, but the word is also used to describe 'ugly' weather or 'ugly' behavior in a way that suggests a moral failing.
Examples in context
- Du bist hässlich, doch ich liebe dich!You're ugly… but I love you.This sentence is useful for showing how to express being in love despite someone's appearance using Du bist hässlich.Tatoeba #6028450 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3063952 by Hybrid
- Du bist hässlich, aber ich liebe dich trotzdem.You're ugly, but I love you anyway.Tatoeba #7220148 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3063953 by Hybrid
- Du bist hässlich.You're ugly.This sentence is a simple way to state the phrase using Du bist hässlich.Tatoeba #3762394 by Wuzzy, translation #2789146 by Hybrid
- Ich möchte höflich darauf hinweisen, dass ich Ihr äußeres Erscheinungsbild nicht wirklich attraktiv finde.I would like to politely point out that I don't find your physical appearance particularly attractive.
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are joking around while looking at funny filters on a phone.
- JulianSchau dir dieses Foto an! Du bist hässlich.Look at this photo! You're ugly.
- SarahDas ist nur der Filter, Julian!That's just the filter, Julian!
- JulianNein, ich glaube, du bist hässlich.No, I think you're ugly.
- SarahHör auf damit!Stop it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, hässlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
