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B1 adjective #9,000 가장 일반적인 14분 분량

ekelhaft

상위 9,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 ekelhaft 30초 만에

설명 ekelhaft in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express your likes and dislikes. The word 'ekelhaft' might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a very strong way to say 'bad' or 'not good'. Imagine you are eating something that tastes very bad, or you see something dirty on the street. You can say 'Das ist ekelhaft!' to show that you really don't like it. At this level, focus on the physical meaning: bad food, bad smells, or dirty things. Think of it as the opposite of 'lecker' (delicious) or 'schön' (beautiful). You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet; just remember the basic phrase 'Das ist ekelhaft!' to express your feelings. It's like saying 'Ew!' or 'Yuck!' in English, but as a full sentence. You might hear it when people talk about the weather if it is raining and cold. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand when someone is very unhappy with something around them. It is a useful word for survival situations, like if you are served food that is spoiled. Just remember, it is a very strong word, so use it only when you really mean it!

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'ekelhaft' to describe more things in your daily life. You can use it to talk about the weather ('ekelhaftes Wetter') or a dirty room. You should also start noticing how the ending of the word changes depending on the noun it describes. For example, 'ein ekelhafter Fisch' (a disgusting fish) or 'eine ekelhafte Spinne' (a disgusting spider). At this level, you can use it to express simple opinions about things you see or experience. If you go to a public toilet and it is not clean, you can say 'Die Toilette ist ekelhaft.' You are moving beyond just saying 'not good' and starting to use more specific adjectives. You can also use it with the verb 'finden' (to find). For example, 'Ich finde den Geruch ekelhaft.' This is a very common way for Germans to give their opinion. It's also a good time to learn the shorter version, 'eklig', which is very common in spoken German for the same situations. Remember that 'ekelhaft' is stronger and more serious than 'eklig'. Using 'ekelhaft' shows that you have a very strong negative reaction to something.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex situations and express your thoughts on social issues. 'Ekelhaft' becomes a very useful word here because you can use it to describe not just physical things, but also behavior and attitudes. For example, you can say 'Ich finde sein Verhalten ekelhaft' (I find his behavior disgusting). This shows that you are judging someone's character or actions, not just their appearance. You should also be comfortable using the comparative and superlative forms: 'ekelhafter' and 'am ekelhaftesten'. For example, 'Dieses Restaurant ist noch ekelhafter als das andere.' You can also use 'ekelhaft' as an intensifier, like in 'ekelhaft süß' (disgustingly sweet). This level is where you start to see the word in news articles or hear it in discussions about politics or society. It is a key word for expressing moral outrage. When you read about someone doing something very mean or unfair, 'ekelhaft' is the word you will often see in the comments. You should also be aware of synonyms like 'widerlich' and 'abscheulich' and start to understand that 'ekelhaft' is a versatile middle-ground between the casual 'eklig' and the very formal 'abscheulich'.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'ekelhaft'. You can use it fluently in both spoken and written German to convey deep disgust or moral condemnation. You understand the subtle differences between 'ekelhaft', 'widerlich', and 'abscheulich'. You can use 'ekelhaft' to describe abstract concepts, such as 'eine ekelhafte politische Strategie' (a disgusting political strategy). Your grammar should be precise, correctly applying adjective endings in all cases and genders. You also recognize when 'ekelhaft' is used hyperbolically in informal speech, such as 'ekelhaft viel Arbeit' (a disgusting amount of work). At this level, you can use the word to add emphasis and emotion to your arguments. For instance, in a debate about environmental pollution, you might describe the state of a local river as 'ekelhaft' to provoke a reaction from your audience. You are also able to understand the word when it appears in more sophisticated media, like literature or documentaries, where it might be used to evoke a specific atmosphere or to highlight social decay. You know that while 'ekelhaft' is a strong word, it is an essential part of the German emotional vocabulary, used to set boundaries and express values.

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At the C1 level, you use 'ekelhaft' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of its rhetorical power and use it strategically in your speech and writing. You can discuss the psychological and philosophical implications of 'Ekel' (disgust) and how the word 'ekelhaft' functions as a social marker. You might use it in an academic essay or a formal presentation to describe a 'widerwärtige' (repugnant) development in society or history. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other words in the 'word family', such as 'Ekelerregend' (nauseating) or 'Verekeln' (to make someone feel disgusted). You can also detect the use of 'ekelhaft' in irony or sarcasm. For example, if someone says 'Das ist ja ekelhaft pünktlich' (That's disgustingly punctual), you understand they are using the word to express a mild, humorous annoyance at someone's extreme reliability. Your ability to use the word in different registers—from the visceral reaction to a bad smell to the sophisticated critique of a person's ethics—is a sign of your high proficiency. You also know when *not* to use it, choosing instead more specific terms like 'infam' (infamous) or 'niederträchtig' (vile) when the situation calls for a different kind of negative description.

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At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'ekelhaft' in all its complexities and cultural connotations. You can appreciate its use in high literature, such as the works of Thomas Mann or Franz Kafka, where disgust is often a central theme. You understand how the word interacts with German cultural norms regarding hygiene, order, and morality. You can use 'ekelhaft' to articulate complex emotional states where disgust is mingled with other feelings like anger, sadness, or disappointment. Your use of the word is not just about vocabulary; it is about an intuitive grasp of the German 'Sprachgefühl' (feeling for the language). You can use it in highly creative ways, perhaps in a poem or a piece of creative writing, to evoke a specific sensory or moral landscape. You are also fully aware of the regional variations in how disgust is expressed across the German-speaking world and can adapt your language accordingly. Whether you are analyzing a complex social phenomenon or simply reacting to a bad meal, your use of 'ekelhaft' is always appropriate to the context, the audience, and your own communicative goals. You see 'ekelhaft' not just as an adjective, but as a window into the human experience of rejection and the construction of social and personal boundaries.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

ekelhaft 30초 만에

Ekelhaft is a strong German adjective meaning 'disgusting' or 'repulsive'. It is used for both physical and moral disgust.
It is more formal and intense than the common word 'eklig'. It often describes bad food, bad weather, or bad behavior.
Grammatically, it follows standard adjective declension and can be used with 'sein', 'finden', or directly before a noun.
Commonly heard in daily life, media, and political discourse to express strong negative opinions or visceral reactions.

The German word ekelhaft is a powerful adjective that translates primarily to 'disgusting', 'repulsive', or 'revolting'. It is derived from the noun 'Ekel' (disgust/nausea) and the suffix '-haft', which transforms nouns into adjectives indicating a quality or tendency. When you call something ekelhaft, you are expressing a deep-seated visceral reaction of rejection. This isn't just a mild dislike; it is a feeling that often manifests physically, perhaps as a shiver down the spine or a literal feeling of nausea. In the German language, this word carries a weight that can range from describing a rotten piece of fruit to condemning a morally bankrupt action. It is one of those words where the sound itself—the sharp 'k' followed by the breathy 'h'—almost mimics the sound of someone recoiling in distaste.

Physical Disgust: This is the most common use. It refers to sensory experiences that are offensive, such as the smell of garbage, the sight of mold, or the taste of spoiled milk. If you find a hair in your soup in a German restaurant, 'ekelhaft' is the word that comes to mind, though you might use a softer term with the waiter.

Der Geruch von verfaultem Fisch ist einfach nur ekelhaft.

Beyond the physical, ekelhaft is frequently applied to weather and behavior. In Germany, when the rain is cold, the wind is biting, and the sky is a miserable shade of grey for the tenth day in a row, people will describe the weather as 'ekelhaftes Wetter'. It captures the sense that the environment is hostile and unpleasant to be in. Furthermore, when applied to people, it describes someone whose behavior or personality is repulsive. This could refer to someone being extremely rude, arrogant, or someone who treats others with cruelty. In these cases, the word moves from a sensory reaction to a moral judgment.

Moral and Social Repulsion: In a social context, ekelhaft is used to describe actions that violate basic human decency. A politician's lie, a cruel joke at someone else's expense, or an act of betrayal can all be labeled as ekelhaft. It signifies that the speaker finds the behavior not just wrong, but fundamentally sickening.

Es ist ekelhaft, wie er seine Mitarbeiter behandelt.

Historically, the concept of Ekel has played a significant role in German philosophy and psychology. Thinkers like Nietzsche or Freud have explored how disgust serves as a boundary-marker for the self and society. When you use the word ekelhaft, you are participating in a long tradition of defining what is acceptable and what is 'other'. Whether you are talking about a dirty bathroom or a corrupt system, you are declaring that something has crossed a line into the intolerable. It is a word of high emotional charge, so it should be used with intention. In everyday conversation, you might hear it shortened or used hyperbolically, such as when someone describes a particularly difficult exam as 'ekelhaft schwer' (disgustingly hard), though this is more colloquial and borders on slang usage.

Intensifier Usage: In some regions, 'ekelhaft' is used as an adverbial intensifier similar to 'terribly' or 'awfully'. For example, 'ekelhaft reich' (disgustingly rich) or 'ekelhaft süß' (sickeningly sweet). This usage highlights an excess that is perceived as negative or overwhelming.

Dieser Kuchen ist ekelhaft süß, ich kann ihn nicht essen.

Das Wetter heute ist einfach ekelhaft.

Using ekelhaft correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of German adjective endings and the various contexts in which it can appear. As an adjective, it can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein' or 'werden') or attributively (before a noun). When used predicatively, it remains unchanged: 'Die Suppe ist ekelhaft.' However, when placed before a noun, it must agree with the gender, number, and case of that noun. For example, 'ein ekelhafter Geruch' (a disgusting smell - masculine, nominative), 'eine ekelhafte Spinne' (a disgusting spider - feminine, nominative), or 'das ekelhafte Wetter' (the disgusting weather - neuter, nominative).

Attributive Usage: When modifying a noun directly, ensure the ending matches the grammar. Example: 'Ich möchte dieses ekelhafte Zeug nicht anfassen.' (I don't want to touch this disgusting stuff.) Here, 'ekelhafte' takes the -e ending for a neuter noun in the accusative case with a definite determiner ('dieses').

Wir mussten durch den ekelhaften Schlamm waten.

Another common way to use ekelhaft is in combination with 'finden' (to find). This is a very natural way for Germans to express their opinion. Instead of saying 'It is disgusting', they often say 'I find it disgusting'. For instance, 'Ich finde sein Verhalten ekelhaft.' This structure allows for a more personal expression of distaste. You can also use it to describe the result of a process, such as 'Das Brot ist ekelhaft geworden' (The bread has become disgusting), implying it has gone moldy or stale.

Comparative and Superlative: If you need to compare levels of disgust, use 'ekelhafter' (more disgusting) and 'am ekelhaftesten' (most disgusting). Example: 'Dieser Käse riecht ekelhafter als der andere.' (This cheese smells more disgusting than the other.) or 'Das war das ekelhafteste Essen, das ich je hatte.' (That was the most disgusting food I ever had.)

Diese Toilette ist noch ekelhafter als die letzte.

The word can also function as an adverb, though this is less common than its adjective form. As an adverb, it describes *how* something is done or a quality of another adjective. 'Er hat mich ekelhaft angegrinst' (He grinned at me in a disgusting/creepy way). In this context, it describes the manner of the action, suggesting it was repulsive or made the speaker uncomfortable. It is important to note that 'ekelhaft' is quite a strong word; using it in a professional setting requires caution, as it can sound very aggressive or overly emotional.

Sentence Patterns with 'Es': A frequent pattern is 'Es ist ekelhaft, dass...' followed by a subordinate clause. Example: 'Es ist ekelhaft, dass er immer lügt.' (It is disgusting that he always lies.) This is a standard way to criticize a specific situation or behavior.

Ich finde es ekelhaft, wie viel Müll hier liegt.

Finally, consider the emotional tone. When you say 'Das ist ekelhaft!', the emphasis usually falls on the first syllable 'E-'. This forceful pronunciation helps convey the feeling of repulsion. If you are speaking with friends, you might hear 'Eklig!' more often for things like bugs or dirt, but 'ekelhaft' will be used for things that are truly offensive to the senses or the mind. For instance, seeing someone spit on the floor might be described as 'ekelhaft' because it's not just dirty, it's socially repulsive.

Pfui, das ist ja ekelhaft!

In the real world, ekelhaft is a word you will encounter in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly dramatic. One of the most common places to hear it is in the context of daily complaints about the weather. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the weather is a frequent topic of conversation, and 'ekelhaftes Wetter' is a standard phrase for those days when it is drizzling, cold, and grey. You will hear commuters on the train muttering it, or neighbors exchanging it as they pass each other with umbrellas. It's a shared social recognition of a miserable environment.

In the Kitchen and at the Table: Food is another major arena for this word. If someone discovers that the milk has turned sour or that there is mold on the bread, 'ekelhaft' is the immediate reaction. On German television, especially in cooking competitions or reality shows like 'Dschungelcamp' (the German version of 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'), the word is used constantly. Contestants are often forced to eat things that are considered 'ekelhaft' by Western standards, and their vocal reactions provide plenty of examples of the word in use.

Das Fleisch riecht ekelhaft, wir sollten es wegwerfen.

In political and social discourse, 'ekelhaft' is a common tool for expressing moral outrage. You will find it in newspaper editorials, on social media, and in political debates. When a scandal breaks out or a politician is caught in a particularly egregious lie, commentators will often describe the situation as 'ekelhaft'. It serves to signal that the behavior is not just a policy disagreement, but a violation of fundamental ethical standards. On Twitter (X) or in the comments sections of news sites like 'Spiegel Online' or 'Zeit Online', you will see users describing certain opinions or actions as 'einfach nur ekelhaft' (simply disgusting).

Public Spaces and Hygiene: Public transport and public restrooms are also places where the word is frequently invoked. If a train car is particularly dirty or someone is behaving in a way that ignores hygiene norms, passengers might whisper to each other about how 'ekelhaft' the situation is. It is a word used to police social boundaries regarding cleanliness and public behavior.

Die Zustände im Bahnhofsklo waren absolut ekelhaft.

Finally, you will hear it in personal relationships during arguments. If one person feels deeply betrayed or offended by the other's words, they might say, 'Hör auf, das ist ekelhaft, was du da sagst!' (Stop it, what you're saying is disgusting!). In this context, it highlights the emotional hurt and the feeling of being repulsed by the partner's character. It is a word that creates a strong barrier between the speaker and the object of their disgust. Because of its strength, hearing it in a personal context usually signals a serious conflict.

Literature and Media: In crime novels (Krimis), which are incredibly popular in Germany, the word is often used to describe crime scenes or the nature of a particularly gruesome murder. Authors use it to evoke a visceral reaction in the reader, emphasizing the horror of the crime.

Der Kommissar fand den Anblick am Tatort ekelhaft.

One of the most frequent mistakes English learners make with ekelhaft is confusing it with other words that express dislike or unpleasantness. For example, learners often use 'hässlich' (ugly) when they actually mean 'ekelhaft'. While something that is ekelhaft might also be hässlich, the two are distinct. 'Hässlich' refers to aesthetic appearance, whereas 'ekelhaft' refers to a feeling of disgust or nausea. You might see a very ugly dog that is still quite sweet, so you wouldn't call it ekelhaft. Conversely, a beautiful person could behave in an ekelhaft way.

Ekelhaft vs. Eklig: Another common point of confusion is between 'ekelhaft' and 'eklig'. Both mean disgusting, but 'eklig' is more informal and often used for physical things (like a bug or a sticky floor). 'Ekelhaft' is more versatile and carries a stronger moral weight. Using 'eklig' to describe a serious human rights violation would sound too childish or trivial. Conversely, calling a tiny piece of lint on your shirt 'ekelhaft' might sound overly dramatic.

Falsch: Das Bild ist ekelhaft. (Unless it shows something revolting, you probably mean 'hässlich'.)

Another mistake involves the intensity of the word. Because 'ekelhaft' is so strong, using it for minor inconveniences can make the speaker seem impatient or hyperbolic. For example, if a train is five minutes late, calling the situation 'ekelhaft' is an overreaction. In such cases, words like 'ärgerlich' (annoying) or 'unangenehm' (unpleasant) are more appropriate. Learners should also be careful with the adverbial use. While 'ekelhaft süß' is a common expression, using 'ekelhaft' to intensify a positive adjective (like 'ekelhaft schön') is rare and usually sounds confusing rather than emphatic.

Grammatical Endings: Learners often forget to decline the adjective when it comes before a noun. They might say 'ein ekelhaft Geruch' instead of 'ein ekelhafter Geruch'. Because the word ends in '-haft', it follows the standard rules for mixed and strong declension. Always check the gender and case of the noun that follows.

Korrekt: Ich mag diesen ekelhaften Geschmack nicht.

Finally, be aware of the difference between 'ekelhaft' and 'widerlich'. While they are often interchangeable, 'widerlich' (repulsive/loathsome) can sometimes feel even more formal or literary. Using 'widerlich' in a very casual setting might seem a bit stiff, whereas 'ekelhaft' fits well in both casual and semi-formal contexts. Another word to watch out for is 'abscheulich' (abominable), which is almost exclusively used for moral or aesthetic horrors and would be too strong for a bad smell or a bitter taste.

Confusion with 'Schrecklich': Many learners use 'schrecklich' (terrible) as a catch-all. While something ekelhaft is usually schrecklich, 'schrecklich' can also mean 'scary' or 'extremely'. If you want to convey specifically that something makes you want to gag or turn away in disgust, 'ekelhaft' is the precise word you need.

Es war ein ekelhafter Fehler, das Fleisch so lange draußen zu lassen.

German has a rich vocabulary for expressing various shades of disgust and repulsion. Understanding the alternatives to ekelhaft will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express yourself with greater precision. The most common synonym is 'eklig'. As mentioned before, 'eklig' is the go-to word for everyday physical disgust. It’s what a child says when they see a worm, or what you say when you touch something sticky under a table. It is less intense than 'ekelhaft' and more common in spoken, casual German.

Widerlich: 'Widerlich' is a very close synonym to 'ekelhaft'. It comes from 'wider' (against) and 'Licht' (light - though the etymology is actually related to 'smell' or 'sense'). It means something that goes against one's senses or nature. It is often used for things that are repulsive in a more profound or persistent way. If a smell is so bad it lingers in your nose for hours, it’s 'widerlich'.

Sein Benehmen war absolut widerlich.

Another powerful alternative is 'abscheulich'. This word is related to 'Abscheu' (horror/loathing). It is typically used for things that are morally reprehensible or aesthetically horrific. You would use 'abscheulich' to describe a crime, a cruel act, or a truly hideous piece of art. It is more formal and carries a stronger sense of condemnation than 'ekelhaft'. Then there is 'unappetitlich', which specifically refers to things that spoil one's appetite. This is a great word to use in a dining context if you want to be slightly more polite but still express that something is unappealing.

Grauenhaft and Grässlich: These words focus more on the 'horror' aspect. 'Grauenhaft' (from Grauen - dread) and 'grässlich' (hideous/ghastly) are used for things that are not just disgusting, but also frightening or extremely unpleasant to look at. 'Grässliches Wetter' is another way to say 'ekelhaftes Wetter', emphasizing how miserable it makes you feel.

Das ist eine abscheuliche Tat.

For a more visceral, physical reaction, you might use 'widerwärtig' (repugnant/offensive). This word is often used in legal or official contexts to describe behavior that is contrary to public order or decency. Finally, in very informal German, you might hear 'igitt' (yuck/ew), which is an interjection rather than an adjective, but it serves a similar purpose in expressing immediate disgust. Knowing when to use 'ekelhaft' versus these alternatives will significantly improve your ability to convey the exact nature of your distaste.

Comparison Table

Eklig: Common, physical (bugs, dirt).
Ekelhaft: Strong, physical or moral (bad behavior).
Widerlich: Very strong, often sensory (smell, taste).
Abscheulich: Moral horror (crimes, cruelty).
Unappetitlich: Specifically related to food/appetite.

Der Anblick war einfach widerwärtig.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In old German, 'Ekel' was also used to describe a sharp point or a sting. The transition from a physical sensation of 'sharpness' to the emotional and physical state of 'disgust' is a common linguistic path for words describing negative sensory experiences.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈeːkəlhaft/

US /ˈeɪkəlhaft/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: **E**-kel-haft.

라임이 맞는 단어

fabelhaft rätselhaft schmerzhaft lasterhaft tugendhaft meisterhaft sündhaft beispielhaft

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it as 'ekel-aft' (skipping the 'h').
Shortening the first 'E' sound too much.
Over-pronouncing the 'l' as a 'dark l' (it should be a clear German 'l').
Stressing the second syllable '-haft' instead of the first.
Pronouncing the 'k' too softly; it needs to be a distinct plosive.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, often appears in descriptive or critical passages.

쓰기 4/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings and correct contexts to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

말하기 3/5

Common in daily speech, but pronunciation of the 'h' is important.

듣기 2/5

Usually easy to hear because of the stressed first syllable and sharp 'k'.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

Ekel schlecht schmutzig riechen schmecken

다음에 배울 것

widerlich abscheulich widerwärtig unappetitlich Ekelhaftigkeit

고급

Niedertracht Verachtung Abscheu Degout Repulsion

알아야 할 문법

Adjective Declension

ein ekelhafter Geruch (strong), der ekelhafte Geruch (weak), dieser ekelhafte Geruch (mixed)

Comparative and Superlative

ekelhaft -> ekelhafter -> am ekelhaftesten

Substantivized Adjectives

etwas Ekelhaftes (something disgusting)

Adverbial Usage

ekelhaft süß (modifying another adjective)

Suffix -haft

Transforms a noun (Ekel) into an adjective (ekelhaft).

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수준별 예문

Die Milch ist ekelhaft.

The milk is disgusting.

Simple predicative use of the adjective.

Das ist ekelhaft!

That is disgusting!

Common exclamation.

Der Fisch riecht ekelhaft.

The fish smells disgusting.

Used with the verb 'riechen' (to smell).

Ich finde das Wetter ekelhaft.

I find the weather disgusting.

Used with 'finden' to express an opinion.

Pfui, ekelhaft!

Yuck, disgusting!

Used with the interjection 'Pfui'.

Die Suppe schmeckt ekelhaft.

The soup tastes disgusting.

Used with the verb 'schmecken' (to taste).

Das Zimmer ist ekelhaft schmutzig.

The room is disgustingly dirty.

Used as an adverb to modify 'schmutzig'.

Ekelhafter Käse!

Disgusting cheese!

Attributive use with a masculine noun in the nominative.

Ich mag diesen ekelhaften Geruch nicht.

I don't like this disgusting smell.

Accusative masculine ending '-en'.

Das war ein ekelhafter Tag.

That was a disgusting day.

Attributive use with 'ein' (mixed declension).

In der Küche ist es ekelhaft.

It's disgusting in the kitchen.

Impersonal 'es' construction.

Siehst du diese ekelhafte Spinne?

Do you see this disgusting spider?

Accusative feminine ending '-e'.

Das Brot ist ekelhaft geworden.

The bread has become disgusting.

Used with 'werden' (to become).

Ich finde es ekelhaft, wenn Leute rauchen.

I find it disgusting when people smoke.

Opinion with a subordinate 'wenn' clause.

Das ist das ekelhafteste Essen der Welt.

That is the most disgusting food in the world.

Superlative form 'ekelhafteste'.

Wir hatten ekelhaftes Wetter im Urlaub.

We had disgusting weather on vacation.

Attributive use with neuter noun 'Wetter'.

Es ist ekelhaft, wie er über andere spricht.

It's disgusting how he speaks about others.

Moral judgment using 'Es ist... wie'.

Der Film war einfach nur ekelhaft.

The movie was simply disgusting.

Predicate adjective with 'einfach nur' for emphasis.

Ich kann diesen ekelhaften Geschmack nicht vergessen.

I can't forget this disgusting taste.

Attributive use in the accusative case.

Sein Verhalten gestern war absolut ekelhaft.

His behavior yesterday was absolutely disgusting.

Adjective modifying a noun ('Verhalten').

Warum ist das Wasser so ekelhaft braun?

Why is the water so disgustingly brown?

Adverbial use modifying the adjective 'braun'.

Ich finde es ekelhaft, dass du mich angelogen hast.

I find it disgusting that you lied to me.

Opinion with a subordinate 'dass' clause.

Das ist eine ekelhafte Lüge!

That is a disgusting lie!

Attributive use with 'eine' (feminine).

Die Zustände in diesem Hotel sind ekelhaft.

The conditions in this hotel are disgusting.

Plural subject with plural verb 'sind'.

Die politische Korruption im Land ist einfach ekelhaft.

The political corruption in the country is simply disgusting.

Abstract usage for moral disgust.

Er hat eine ekelhafte Art, Leute zu manipulieren.

He has a disgusting way of manipulating people.

Attributive use with an infinitive clause.

Es ist ekelhaft, wie viel Plastik im Meer schwimmt.

It's disgusting how much plastic is floating in the ocean.

Environmental critique.

Diese ekelhaften Vorurteile müssen endlich aufhören.

These disgusting prejudices must finally stop.

Plural attributive with definite article 'diese'.

Ich finde die Gier mancher Manager einfach nur ekelhaft.

I find the greed of some managers simply disgusting.

Genitive attribute ('mancher Manager').

Das war die ekelhafteste Erfahrung meines Lebens.

That was the most disgusting experience of my life.

Superlative with genitive attribute.

Es ist ekelhaft, wenn Reiche die Armen ausbeuten.

It is disgusting when the rich exploit the poor.

Social commentary.

Sein Lachen klang irgendwie ekelhaft.

His laugh sounded somehow disgusting/creepy.

Used with 'klingen' (to sound).

Die ekelhafte Fratze des Krieges zeigt sich überall.

The disgusting face of war is showing itself everywhere.

Metaphorical use in a formal context.

Es ist zutiefst ekelhaft, wie hier mit Menschenrechten umgegangen wird.

It is deeply disgusting how human rights are being handled here.

Adverbial 'zutiefst' (deeply) intensifying the adjective.

Er verbarg seine ekelhaften Absichten hinter einer freundlichen Maske.

He hid his disgusting intentions behind a friendly mask.

Abstract plural attributive.

Diese ekelhafte Selbstgefälligkeit ist kaum zu ertragen.

This disgusting self-complacency is hard to bear.

Describing a personality trait.

In dem Roman wird die ekelhafte Realität der Armut ungeschönt dargestellt.

In the novel, the disgusting reality of poverty is presented without sugarcoating.

Literary analysis context.

Es ist ekelhaft, dass solche Lügen als Fakten verkauft werden.

It is disgusting that such lies are being sold as facts.

Critique of media/misinformation.

Diese Art von Humor finde ich schlichtweg ekelhaft.

I find this kind of humor simply disgusting.

Adverb 'schlichtweg' for emphasis.

Das ekelhafte Kriechen vor dem Chef ist peinlich.

The disgusting groveling before the boss is embarrassing.

Gerund 'Kriechen' (crawling/groveling) modified by adjective.

Die ekelhafte Symbiose von Macht und Gier vergiftet die Gesellschaft.

The disgusting symbiosis of power and greed poisons society.

Highly abstract and metaphorical.

Es ist eine ekelhafte Ironie des Schicksals, dass ausgerechnet er gewann.

It is a disgusting irony of fate that he of all people won.

Complex noun phrase with genitive.

Man spürt förmlich die ekelhafte Atmosphäre des Verrats in diesem Raum.

You can literally feel the disgusting atmosphere of betrayal in this room.

Describing an abstract atmosphere.

Die ekelhafte Banalität des Bösen wurde hier wieder einmal deutlich.

The disgusting banality of evil became clear once again here.

Philosophical reference (Hannah Arendt).

Hinter der glänzenden Fassade verbirgt sich oft etwas Ekelhaftes.

Behind the shiny facade, something disgusting is often hidden.

Substantivized adjective 'etwas Ekelhaftes'.

Seine ekelhafte Arroganz ist das Resultat tiefer Unsicherheit.

His disgusting arrogance is the result of deep insecurity.

Psychological analysis.

Es ist ekelhaft, wie die Geschichte für politische Zwecke instrumentalisiert wird.

It is disgusting how history is instrumentalized for political purposes.

Sophisticated passive construction.

Diese ekelhafte Gleichgültigkeit gegenüber dem Leid anderer ist erschreckend.

This disgusting indifference toward the suffering of others is terrifying.

Describing a societal attitude.

자주 쓰는 조합

ekelhaftes Wetter

ekelhafter Geruch

ekelhaftes Benehmen

ekelhaft süß

ekelhaft reich

ekelhafte Lüge

ekelhafter Geschmack

ekelhafte Spinne

ekelhafte Zustände

ekelhaft finden

자주 쓰는 구문

Das ist ja ekelhaft!

— A common exclamation expressing immediate disgust. It is used when seeing or hearing something repulsive.

Hast du das gesehen? Das ist ja ekelhaft!

Einfach nur ekelhaft.

— Used for emphasis to show that something is nothing but disgusting. Often used in moral or social critiques.

Seine Kommentare waren einfach nur ekelhaft.

Mir wird ekelhaft zumute.

— A somewhat dated or literary way to say 'I feel nauseous' or 'I feel disgusted'.

Bei diesem Anblick wird mir ekelhaft zumute.

Ein ekelhaftes Gefühl.

— Describes a visceral sensation of repulsion or discomfort.

Ich habe ein ekelhaftes Gefühl in der Magengegend.

Ekelhaft viel.

— Colloquial use of ekelhaft as an intensifier meaning 'way too much'.

Wir haben heute ekelhaft viel zu tun.

Ekelhaft pünktlich.

— Ironic use to describe someone who is excessively punctual, usually in a joking way.

Er ist immer ekelhaft pünktlich, man kann nie zu spät kommen.

Absolut ekelhaft.

— Used to express total and complete disgust.

Die sanitären Anlagen waren absolut ekelhaft.

Ekelhaftes Zeug.

— A general way to refer to disgusting substances or things.

Was ist das für ein ekelhaftes Zeug auf dem Boden?

Ekelhaft teuer.

— Colloquial intensifier meaning 'outrageously expensive'.

Die Mieten in dieser Stadt sind ekelhaft teuer.

Etwas ekelhaft finden.

— The standard way to express that you find something disgusting.

Ich finde es ekelhaft, wenn Leute in der Öffentlichkeit spucken.

자주 혼동되는 단어

ekelhaft vs hässlich

Hässlich means ugly (aesthetic). Ekelhaft means disgusting (visceral/moral).

ekelhaft vs schrecklich

Schrecklich means terrible or scary. Ekelhaft specifically implies disgust.

ekelhaft vs furchtbar

Furchtbar means awful or terrible, often used for quality or intensity, not necessarily disgust.

관용어 및 표현

"Ekelhaft reich sein"

— To be filthy rich or disgustingly wealthy. It implies that the amount of wealth is almost offensive.

Die Familie ist ekelhaft reich und zeigt es jedem.

informal

"Das ist zum Ekeln"

— While not using the adjective directly, this related phrase means 'It's enough to make you sick'.

Wie er sich benimmt, das ist zum Ekeln.

neutral

"Ekelhaftes Pack"

— A very derogatory way to refer to a group of people one finds repulsive.

Verschwindet, ihr ekelhaftes Pack!

vulgar/slang

"Ekelhaft süßholzraspeln"

— To sweet-talk someone in a way that feels insincere and repulsive.

Hör auf mit dem ekelhaften Süßholzraspeln!

informal

"Ekelhaft schleimen"

— To suck up to someone (like a boss) in a disgusting way.

Er schleimt wieder ekelhaft beim Chef.

slang

"Ein ekelhafter Fingerzeig"

— A disgusting or repulsive hint/indication of something bad to come.

Das war ein ekelhafter Fingerzeig auf die Zukunft.

formal

"Sich ekelhaft benehmen"

— To behave in a way that is socially or morally repulsive.

Du hast dich gestern Abend ekelhaft benommen.

neutral

"Ekelhaft genau sein"

— To be excessively or annoyingly precise about something.

Sie ist bei der Abrechnung immer ekelhaft genau.

informal

"Ekelhaft gesund"

— To be so healthy or to eat so healthily that it becomes annoying or 'gross' to others.

Er ernährt sich ekelhaft gesund, nur Grünkohl und Wasser.

informal

"Ein ekelhafter Nachgeschmack"

— Literally a bad taste after eating, or metaphorically a bad feeling after an event.

Die ganze Sache hat einen ekelhaften Nachgeschmack hinterlassen.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

ekelhaft vs eklig

They have the same root and similar meanings.

Eklig is more informal and usually physical. Ekelhaft is stronger and can be moral.

Eine eklige Spinne vs. Ein ekelhaftes Verbrechen.

ekelhaft vs widerlich

Both mean 'disgusting' and are very strong.

Widerlich is often more sensory (smells/tastes) and slightly more formal.

Ein widerlicher Gestank vs. Ein ekelhaftes Wetter.

ekelhaft vs abscheulich

Both express strong dislike.

Abscheulich is reserved for moral horrors or extreme ugliness, not simple bad tastes.

Eine abscheuliche Tat.

ekelhaft vs unangenehm

Both describe things you don't like.

Unangenehm is just 'unpleasant' or 'uncomfortable'. Ekelhaft is much stronger.

Ein unangenehmer Wind vs. Ein ekelhafter Sturm.

ekelhaft vs grauenhaft

Both describe bad things.

Grauenhaft implies horror or dread. Ekelhaft implies disgust.

Ein grauenhafter Unfall.

문장 패턴

Das ist [ekelhaft].

Das ist ekelhaft.

Ich finde [Nomen] [ekelhaft].

Ich finde den Fisch ekelhaft.

Es ist [ekelhaft], wie/dass [Nebensatz].

Es ist ekelhaft, dass er lügt.

[Nomen] ist [ekelhafter] als [Nomen].

Dieser Käse ist ekelhafter als der andere.

Ein [ekelhaftes] [Nomen] haben.

Er hat ein ekelhaftes Benehmen.

Die [ekelhafte] [Abstraktum] von [Genitiv].

Die ekelhafte Gier der Konzerne.

Hinter [Dativ] verbirgt sich [etwas Ekelhaftes].

Hinter dem Lächeln verbirgt sich etwas Ekelhaftes.

[Adjektiv] [ekelhaft] [Adjektiv].

Das ist ekelhaft süß.

어휘 가족

명사

der Ekel (disgust/nausea)

das Ekel (a repulsive person)

die Ekelhaftigkeit (disgustingness)

동사

ekeln (to feel disgust)

sich ekeln (to be disgusted)

verekeln (to make someone feel disgusted/to spoil something for someone)

형용사

eklig (disgusting/gross)

ekelerregend (nauseating)

ekelfrei (free of disgust - rare)

사용법

frequency

High in daily speech, media, and social criticism.

자주 하는 실수

Das Wetter ist ekelhaftig. → Das Wetter ist ekelhaft.
Learners often add '-ig' because of 'eklig'. 'Ekelhaft' already has its suffix '-haft'.
Ich habe einen ekelhaft Geruch bemerkt. → Ich habe einen ekelhaften Geruch bemerkt.
Adjectives before a noun must have the correct ending. Here, it's masculine accusative (-en).
Das Bild ist ekelhaft. → Das Bild ist hässlich.
Unless the picture shows something revolting (like gore), you probably mean it is aesthetically 'ugly' (hässlich).
Er ist ein ekelhafter Mann. → Er ist ein Ekel.
While 'ekelhafter Mann' is grammatically correct, Germans usually use the noun 'Ekel' to describe a repulsive person.
Die Suppe schmeckt ekelhaft süß. → Die Suppe ist ekelhaft süß.
While 'schmeckt' is okay, using 'ist' with 'ekelhaft' as an adverbial intensifier is more common.

팁

Use it for the weather

If it's raining and cold in Germany, saying 'Was für ein ekelhaftes Wetter!' is a great way to start a conversation with a local. It's a very common complaint.

Adjective Endings

Remember that 'ekelhaft' needs an ending when it comes before a noun. 'Ein ekelhafter Geruch' (masculine) vs 'Ein ekelhaftes Zimmer' (neuter). Don't forget the -er or -es!

Eklig vs. Ekelhaft

If you are with friends and see a bug, say 'eklig'. if you are talking about a corrupt politician, say 'ekelhaft'. The choice shows your level of proficiency.

Intensifiers

You can use 'absolut' or 'einfach nur' before 'ekelhaft' to make it even stronger. 'Das ist einfach nur ekelhaft!' is a very common phrase.

The 'H' is important

Many learners forget the 'h' in '-haft'. Practice saying 'Ekel' then 'Haft' and then combine them. A clear 'h' makes you sound much more native.

Be careful with insults

Calling a person 'ekelhaft' is a very strong insult. Use it for behaviors or things, but rarely for people directly unless you want to start a fight.

Food complaints

In a restaurant, 'ekelhaft' might be too strong for the waiter. Try 'Das schmeckt mir nicht' or 'Das ist unappetitlich' first unless the food is actually spoiled.

Substantivized

You can say 'etwas Ekelhaftes' to mean 'something disgusting'. This is very useful when you don't want to name the specific thing.

Reality TV

Watch German reality shows like 'Dschungelcamp' to hear 'ekelhaft' used in many different, often funny, contexts. It's great for listening practice.

The 'E' is for 'Ew'

Think of the first letter 'E' in 'ekelhaft' as standing for 'Ew!'. It’s an easy way to remember the meaning of the word.

암기하기

기억법

Think of an **E**gg that is **K**illed (rotten) and **E**aten by a **L**izard in a **H**at. **E-K-E-L-H-A-F-T**. It's just disgusting!

시각적 연상

Imagine a bright green mold growing on a beautiful cake. The contrast between the expected sweetness and the actual rot is 'ekelhaft'.

Word Web

Ekel Schmutz Geruch Verhalten Wetter Essen Spinne Moral

챌린지

Try to find three things today that you can describe as 'ekelhaft' (even if only to yourself). One should be physical, one should be weather-related, and one should be a behavior you see in the news.

어원

The word 'ekelhaft' is composed of the noun 'Ekel' and the suffix '-haft'. 'Ekel' comes from the Middle High German 'eckel' or 'egel', which originally meant 'sharp' or 'bitter', eventually evolving to mean the nausea or disgust caused by such tastes. The suffix '-haft' is a common German adjective-forming suffix, derived from the verb 'haben' (to have) or 'haften' (to cling to), indicating that something possesses a certain quality.

원래 의미: Originally related to a sharp or bitter sensation in the mouth that leads to nausea.

Germanic (Indo-European)

문화적 맥락

Avoid using this word to describe people directly (e.g., 'Du bist ekelhaft') unless you are prepared for a very serious confrontation. It is a highly offensive personal insult.

English speakers might use 'gross' or 'disgusting' more casually. 'Ekelhaft' often feels heavier and more 'serious' than 'gross'.

The 'Dschungelcamp' Ekel-Prüfungen (TV show) Hannah Arendt's 'Banality of Evil' (often discussed with 'Ekel') Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis' (Die Verwandlung) - the physical disgust of the family.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Food and Dining

Die Milch ist ekelhaft.
Ein ekelhafter Beigeschmack.
Das Fleisch riecht ekelhaft.
Ich finde diesen Käse ekelhaft.

Weather

Ekelhaftes Wetter heute.
Draußen ist es einfach ekelhaft.
Dieser ekelhafte Regen hört nicht auf.
Ein ekelhaft kalter Wind.

Social/Moral Judgment

Sein Verhalten ist ekelhaft.
Eine ekelhafte Lüge.
Ich finde es ekelhaft, wie er sie behandelt.
Das ist eine ekelhafte Einstellung.

Hygiene/Cleanliness

Die Toilette war ekelhaft.
Ekelhafter Schmutz überall.
Das ist ekelhaft dreckig.
Ich möchte dieses ekelhafte Zeug nicht anfassen.

Physical Sensations

Ein ekelhaftes Gefühl auf der Haut.
Der Geschmack ist ekelhaft.
Ein ekelhafter Geruch in der Luft.
Mir wird ganz ekelhaft.

대화 시작하기

"Findest du das Wetter heute auch so ekelhaft wie ich?"

"Was war das ekelhafteste Essen, das du jemals probiert hast?"

"Findest du es auch ekelhaft, wenn Leute im Bus laut telefonieren?"

"Hast du diesen ekelhaften Geruch im Treppenhaus auch bemerkt?"

"Was ist für dich eine absolut ekelhafte Eigenschaft bei einem Menschen?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich über das ekelhafte Verhalten von jemandem geärgert hast.

Welches Essen findest du am ekelhaftesten und warum? Beschreibe den Geschmack und den Geruch.

Schreibe über einen Tag mit ekelhaftem Wetter. Was hast du gemacht, um dich besser zu fühlen?

Gibt es Dinge, die andere Leute eklig finden, du aber gar nicht ekelhaft findest?

Reflektiere über die moralische Bedeutung von 'ekelhaft'. Wann ist eine Tat wirklich ekelhaft?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is not a swear word, but it is a very strong and negative adjective. Calling someone 'ekelhaft' to their face is a major insult and should be avoided in polite company. It is best used for objects, situations, or abstract behaviors.

'Eklig' is the informal, everyday word for 'gross' (e.g., a bug). 'Ekelhaft' is stronger, more formal, and can describe moral disgust as well as physical disgust. You'll hear 'eklig' more often in casual conversation.

Yes, but only to describe their behavior or character (e.g., 'seine ekelhafte Art'). Calling a person 'ein Ekel' (a noun) means they are a repulsive or grumpy person. Be careful, as it's very offensive.

It declines like any other adjective. For example: 'ein ekelhafter Geruch' (masculine), 'eine ekelhafte Spinne' (feminine), 'ein ekelhaftes Wetter' (neuter), 'ekelhafte Leute' (plural).

Only very rarely as an ironic intensifier in slang, like 'ekelhaft reich' (disgustingly rich). In 99% of cases, it is strictly negative.

Yes, it is standard German and used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with the same meaning and intensity.

Depending on the context, the opposite could be 'lecker' (for food), 'schön' (for appearance), 'angenehm' (for sensations), or 'herrlich' (for weather).

Yes, 'die Ekelhaftigkeit' (disgustingness), though it is less common than the adjective. The root noun is 'der Ekel' (disgust).

Stress the first syllable: **E**-kel-haft. Make sure to pronounce the 'h' in the second part of the word.

Use 'widerlich' when you want to sound slightly more formal or when describing a very strong, offensive sensory experience like a foul smell.

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