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B1 noun #6,500 most common 11 min read

Ekel

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Ekel in 30 Seconds

Explanation Ekel in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Ekel' means 'disgust'. You might hear people say 'Igitt!' (Yuck!) or 'Das ist eklig' (That is gross). 'Ekel' is the noun for that feeling. Imagine you see a very dirty plate or smell something bad; that feeling is 'Ekel'. You don't need to use the word in complex sentences yet, but recognizing it in simple stories about food or animals (like spiders) is helpful. At this stage, focus on the adjective 'eklig' because it's easier to use in basic sentences like 'Die Spinne ist eklig'. Just remember that 'Ekel' is a masculine noun ('der Ekel'). It is one of the basic emotions like 'Freude' (joy) or 'Angst' (fear).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Ekel' in simple structures. You should learn the phrase 'Ekel vor etwas haben' (to have disgust for something). For example: 'Ich habe Ekel vor Schlangen'. You are now able to describe your feelings more clearly. You might also encounter 'Ekel' when talking about hygiene or cleaning. It's important to know that the word is masculine. You can use it to explain why you don't want to do something: 'Ich putze das nicht, ich habe Ekel davor'. You are also starting to see that 'Ekel' can be used for things that aren't just food, like a very dirty bathroom or a smelly trash can. It's a useful word for expressing strong boundaries.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Ekel' as a noun in various contexts. You understand that it's not just about physical things, but can also describe a person's character ('Er ist ein Ekel'). You can use more sophisticated verbs like 'empfinden' (to feel/experience) or 'überwinden' (to overcome). For example: 'Sie musste ihren Ekel überwinden, um den Müll wegzubringen'. You also understand the difference between 'eklig' and 'ekelhaft'. At this level, you can participate in discussions about food safety, environment, or social behavior using this word. You know that 'Ekel' is a strong emotion and you use it appropriately to express revulsion. You are also aware of the preposition 'vor' and how it affects the noun following it (Dative case).

At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of 'Ekel' in moral and social contexts. You can use it to describe your reaction to injustice or unethical behavior ('Moralischer Ekel'). You are familiar with compound nouns like 'Ekelgefühl' or 'Ekelprüfung'. You can use the word in more abstract sentences and understand its use in media and news, such as in reports about food scandals. You are also able to distinguish 'Ekel' from similar words like 'Abscheu' or 'Widerwille'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the physical sensations associated with Ekel, such as 'Gänsehaut' (goosebumps) or 'Übelkeit' (nausea). You can discuss the psychological aspects of disgust and how it varies between different cultures and individuals.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'Ekel' as a philosophical and psychological concept. You can discuss Jean-Paul Sartre's 'Der Ekel' and the existentialist implications of the word. You understand literary uses of the word and can identify it in classical German literature. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use the word with high precision. You can analyze how 'Ekel' is used in political rhetoric to marginalize certain groups or behaviors. Your usage of the word is natural and includes subtle distinctions in register—knowing when to use 'Ekel' and when to use more formal alternatives like 'Aversion' or 'Ressentiment'. You can also discuss the evolutionary biology of disgust and its role in human development.

At the C2 level, you command the word 'Ekel' with the mastery of a native speaker. You understand its historical etymology and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can appreciate and use the word in complex metaphors and sophisticated wordplay. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and archaic uses. You can lead high-level academic discussions on the 'Ästhetik des Hässlichen' (Aesthetics of the Ugly) and the role of 'Ekel' in art and performance. You understand the profound cultural weight the word carries in German-speaking societies and can navigate its use in the most sensitive social and professional contexts. Your ability to express varying degrees of revulsion—from mild distaste to existential dread—is flawless.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Ekel in 30 Seconds

Ekel is a masculine German noun (der Ekel) meaning disgust or revulsion.
It can describe a physical reaction to filth or a moral reaction to bad behavior.
The word is commonly used with the preposition 'vor' and the dative case.
It can also refer to an unpleasant or mean person ('ein Ekel').

The German word Ekel refers to a profound sense of disgust, revulsion, or loathing. It is a fundamental human emotion that serves as a protective mechanism, originally designed to keep us away from potentially harmful substances like spoiled food or infectious environments. In modern German, however, its application extends far beyond the physical realm into moral, social, and aesthetic domains. When you encounter something that makes your stomach turn or your skin crawl, you are experiencing Ekel. It is a masculine noun (der Ekel) and is often associated with the preposition vor (disgust at/towards something).

The Biological Root: At its most basic level, Ekel is a physiological reaction. It is the feeling you get when smelling sour milk or seeing a decaying organism. In German, this is often described as 'physischer Ekel'. It triggers a specific facial expression—curling the lip and wrinkling the nose—which is recognized across cultures.
The Moral Dimension: Beyond the physical, Ekel is used to describe moral repulsion. If someone commits a heinous crime or behaves in a deeply unethical way, a German speaker might say they feel Ekel towards that person's actions. This 'moralischer Ekel' suggests that the behavior is so 'dirty' that it causes a visceral reaction similar to physical filth.
The Social 'Ekel': Interestingly, the word can also refer to a person. If you call someone 'ein Ekel', you are saying they are a disgusting, unpleasant, or mean-spirited individual. This is a common insult for someone who is consistently rude or lacks basic decency.

Mein Ekel vor dieser Ungerechtigkeit ist kaum in Worte zu fassen.

Er empfand tiefen Ekel beim Anblick des verdorbenen Fleisches.

In literature and philosophy, Ekel has played a significant role. For instance, the German translation of Jean-Paul Sartre's famous novel 'La Nausée' is 'Der Ekel'. Here, the word represents a metaphysical realization of the absurdity and 'too-muchness' of existence. It is not just about bad food, but about the overwhelming nature of being itself. In everyday conversation, however, you will most likely hear it in the context of hygiene, food, or interpersonal conflicts. Understanding the weight of this word is crucial because it is stronger than 'Abneigung' (dislike). It implies a total rejection by both the mind and the body. Germans use it to set boundaries—what is disgusting is what is unacceptable. Whether it is a dirty bathroom or a corrupt politician, Ekel marks the line where tolerance ends and revulsion begins.

Der Ekel schüttelte ihn am ganzen Körper.

Ich kann meinen Ekel gegenüber Lügen nicht verbergen.

Die hygienischen Zustände in der Küche erregten allgemeinen Ekel.

Cultural Context: German culture values cleanliness and order (Ordnung), so the threshold for Ekel might sometimes seem lower in public spaces compared to other cultures. Public displays of 'ekelhaft' behavior are often met with direct verbal disapproval.

Using the word Ekel correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and the specific verbs it pairs with. Most commonly, you will find it in the structure 'Ekel vor etwas haben' or 'Ekel empfinden'. Unlike English, where you might say 'I am disgusted', in German you often 'have' or 'feel' disgust as a noun, or you 'disgust yourself' using the reflexive verb sich ekeln.

Structure 1: Ekel haben vor (+ Dative): This is the most standard way to express disgust towards a specific object or situation. 'Ich habe Ekel vor Spinnen' (I have disgust towards spiders/Spiders disgust me). Note that 'vor' always takes the dative case here.
Structure 2: Ekel erregen: This means 'to cause disgust'. If a situation or an object is the source, it 'erregt Ekel'. For example, 'Der Gestank erregte bei allen Anwesenden Ekel' (The stench caused disgust in everyone present).
Structure 3: Sich überwinden: Often used when someone has to do something despite their disgust. 'Er musste seinen Ekel überwinden, um die Wunde zu reinigen' (He had to overcome his disgust to clean the wound).

Sie empfand einen unbeschreiblichen Ekel, als sie die Kakerlake sah.

Sein Verhalten war von einem solchen Ekel geprägt, dass niemand mit ihm sprechen wollte.

When describing a person as 'ein Ekel', the word functions as a countable noun. 'Er ist ein echtes Ekel' (He is a real jerk/disgusting person). In this context, it often refers to someone's personality rather than their physical appearance. It is a harsh but common way to describe someone who is socially repulsive. Furthermore, in medical or psychological contexts, 'Ekel' might be discussed as a symptom or a phobia. For example, 'Ekelstörung' refers to a psychological disorder where the sensation of disgust is pathologically heightened. In everyday life, you might use it more casually: 'Den Ekel herunterschlucken' (to swallow one's disgust) when you have to tolerate something unpleasant for the sake of politeness or necessity.

Es kostet mich Überwindung, meinen Ekel zu verbergen.

Das Ekel von nebenan hat sich schon wieder über den Lärm beschwert.

Prepositional Usage: Always use 'vor' + Dative. Example: 'Ekel vor dem Schmutz' (Disgust at the dirt). Avoid using 'an' or 'über' which are common mistakes for English speakers.

You will encounter the word Ekel in various real-life scenarios in Germany, ranging from mundane kitchen mishaps to intense political debates. It is a word that carries significant emotional weight, so it is rarely used lightly. In the service industry, specifically in gastronomy, 'Ekel' is a serious term often associated with health inspections and hygiene standards. A restaurant that 'Ekel erregt' is one that will likely be closed by the 'Gesundheitsamt' (Health Department).

In the Media: News headlines often use 'Ekel' to describe scandals. For example, 'Ekel-Fleisch-Skandal' (rotten meat scandal) is a common compound noun used when a company sells expired or tainted meat. The word 'Ekel' here serves as a powerful emotional hook to grab the reader's attention.
In Reality TV: Germany's version of 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' (Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!) is famous for its 'Ekelprüfungen' (disgust tests). Contestants are forced to eat insects or sit in tubs of slime. The word is used constantly in this context to describe the challenges.
In Everyday Conflict: If you are in a crowded U-Bahn and someone is behaving in a way that violates personal space or hygiene norms, you might hear someone whisper about the 'Ekel' of the situation. It is also used in families to describe a particularly difficult or mean relative: 'Onkel Heinz ist ein altes Ekel.'

Die Boulevardzeitung titelte: 'Der große Ekel im Dschungelcamp'.

Nach dem Skandal war der Ekel in der Bevölkerung groß.

In a professional setting, 'Ekel' might be discussed in healthcare. Nurses and doctors often have to manage their 'Ekelgefühl' (feeling of disgust) when dealing with bodily fluids or severe wounds. It is a recognized part of the job that requires professional distance. Furthermore, in ecological discussions, 'Ekel' is sometimes mentioned regarding pollution—the 'Ekel vor der Zerstörung der Natur'. Overall, while the word is strong, it is not taboo. It is an honest expression of a visceral reaction that Germans do not shy away from naming directly when a situation warrants it.

Man konnte ihm den Ekel an der Nasenspitze ansehen.

Es gibt eine natürliche Grenze für den Ekel, die jeder Mensch hat.

Learning to use Ekel correctly requires navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. The most common errors for English speakers involve confusion between the noun and adjective forms, incorrect preposition usage, and misunderstanding the intensity of the word.

Mistake 1: Using 'an' instead of 'vor': In English, we might say 'disgust AT something'. However, in German, the fixed preposition for Ekel is 'vor'. Saying 'Ekel an etwas' is grammatically incorrect. Always remember: 'Ekel vor der Spinne', not 'Ekel an der Spinne'.
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Ekel' with 'eklig': 'Ekel' is the noun (disgust). 'Eklig' is the adjective (disgusting). Beginners often say 'Das ist Ekel' when they mean 'Das ist eklig'. While 'Das ist Ekel' might technically mean 'That is (the feeling of) disgust', it sounds unnatural in most contexts where you are describing an object.
Mistake 3: Overusing the word for minor dislikes: 'Ekel' is a very strong word. If you simply don't like broccoli, saying 'Ich habe Ekel vor Brokkoli' sounds dramatic, as if the sight of it makes you want to vomit. For minor dislikes, use 'Abneigung' or simply 'Ich mag kein...'.

Falsch: Ich habe Ekel an Schimmel. Richtig: Ich habe Ekel vor Schimmel.

Falsch: Das Essen ist Ekel. Richtig: Das Essen ist ekelhaft.

Another nuance is the difference between 'eklig' and 'ekelhaft'. While they are often interchangeable, 'ekelhaft' is usually considered stronger and more formal/moral. 'Eklig' is the common everyday word for physical disgust. If you call a person 'eklig', it might mean they are physically dirty. If you call them 'ekelhaft', it usually refers to their disgusting behavior or character. Understanding these subtle differences helps you sound more like a native speaker and avoids unintended offense or confusion.

Man sollte den Begriff Ekel nicht inflationär gebrauchen.

Ein häufiger Fehler ist die Verwechslung von Ekel und Abscheu.

Grammatical Gender: Always remember it is DER Ekel. Using 'das Ekel' refers specifically to the person (the jerk), while 'der Ekel' refers to the feeling. However, in many regions, people use 'das Ekel' even for the person, but the feeling is always 'der Ekel'.

While Ekel is the most direct word for disgust, German offers a rich palette of synonyms that capture different shades of revulsion. Depending on whether the disgust is physical, moral, or just a strong dislike, you might choose a different term.

Abscheu (f.): This is a very close synonym but is often used in a more elevated or moral context. While Ekel is visceral and physical, Abscheu is often intellectual or moral. You feel 'Abscheu' towards a crime or a lie. It implies a deep-seated hatred combined with disgust.
Widerwille (m.): This literally means 'against-will'. It describes a strong reluctance or aversion. It is less visceral than Ekel. You might do something with 'Widerwille' if you really don't want to do it, but it doesn't necessarily make you feel sick.
Aversion (f.): A more psychological or clinical term for a strong dislike. It is often used in the context of 'having an aversion to something'. It is less emotional than Ekel.

Sein Ekel verwandelte sich langsam in tiefen Abscheu.

Sie verspürte eine starke Aversion gegen laute Geräusche, aber keinen Ekel.

Other words include 'Übelkeit' (nausea), which is the physical state of wanting to vomit, often caused by Ekel. 'Grauen' (horror/dread) is used when the disgust is mixed with fear. If something is just 'gross' in a minor way, younger Germans might use 'igitt' (yuck) as an interjection. In slang, 'widerlich' is a very common adjective to replace 'ekelhaft'. When you want to describe something that is so disgusting it's almost impressive, you might use 'abstoßend' (repulsive). Choosing the right word depends on the intensity of your reaction and the context of the situation. 'Ekel' remains the anchor word for that specific, stomach-turning sensation of 'no'.

Die Grenzen zwischen Ekel und Angst sind oft fließend.

Das war kein einfacher Widerwille mehr, das war purer Ekel.

Summary Table: Ekel: Visceral/Physical. Abscheu: Moral/Deep. Widerwille: Reluctance. Übelkeit: Physical sickness. Abneigung: General dislike.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Ekel' was famously used by philosophers like Kant and Nietzsche to describe a reaction that is both physical and aesthetic—a 'disgust of the soul'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈeːkəl/

US /ˈeɪkəl/

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

Rhymes With

Hebel Nebel Knebel Kegel Segel Regel Flegel Ziegel

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'e' too short like in 'egg'.
Pronouncing the 'l' as a dark 'l' as in 'ball' (it should be a light German 'l').
Failing to make the 'k' aspirated enough.
Stressing the second syllable.
Confusing the vowel with 'i' (Ikel).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but can be confused with adjectives.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct preposition 'vor' and dative case.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the long 'e'.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, usually stands out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Gefühl Angst schlecht sehen riechen

Learn Next

eklig ekelhaft Abscheu Widerwille überwinden

Advanced

Existenzialismus Phänomenologie Aversionstherapie Nausea

Grammar to Know

Preposition 'vor' with emotions

Angst vor, Ekel vor, Respekt vor (all take Dative).

Reflexive verbs for feelings

Ich ekle mich (reflexive) vor dem Müll.

Adjective endings after masculine nouns

Ein tiefer Ekel (Nom), einen tiefen Ekel (Acc).

Compound noun formation

Ekel + Gefühl = Ekelgefühl.

Nominalization of adjectives

Das Eklige (the disgusting thing).

Examples by Level

Ich habe Ekel vor Spinnen.

I have disgust for spiders.

Noun 'Ekel' + preposition 'vor' + Dative plural 'Spinnen'.

Der Ekel ist groß.

The disgust is big.

Simple Subject-Verb-Adjective structure.

Hast du Ekel?

Do you feel disgust?

Simple question format.

Das ist ein Ekel.

That is a disgusting person.

Using 'Ekel' to refer to a person.

Kein Ekel, bitte!

No disgust, please!

Imperative-like short phrase.

Mein Ekel vor Fisch ist alt.

My disgust for fish is old.

Possessive pronoun 'mein' with masculine noun.

Ekel ist ein Gefühl.

Disgust is a feeling.

Definition sentence.

Sie sieht den Ekel.

She sees the disgust.

Accusative case 'den Ekel'.

Er empfindet Ekel vor dem Schmutz.

He feels disgust at the dirt.

Verb 'empfinden' + Accusative 'Ekel'.

Warum hast du so viel Ekel?

Why do you have so much disgust?

Interrogative with 'viel' modifying the noun.

Der Ekel kommt schnell.

The disgust comes quickly.

Noun as subject with an adverb.

Ich kann meinen Ekel nicht stoppen.

I cannot stop my disgust.

Modal verb 'können' with negation.

Das Ekel dort ist mein Nachbar.

That jerk over there is my neighbor.

Informal use of 'Ekel' for a person.

Ekel vor Schlangen ist normal.

Disgust of snakes is normal.

General statement.

Sein Ekel war im Gesicht zu sehen.

His disgust was visible on his face.

Passive-like construction with 'zu sehen'.

Ohne Ekel geht es nicht.

It doesn't work without disgust.

Preposition 'ohne' + Accusative.

Sie musste ihren Ekel überwinden, um die Toilette zu putzen.

She had to overcome her disgust to clean the toilet.

Infinitive clause with 'um...zu'.

Ein tiefer Ekel packte ihn bei diesem Anblick.

A deep disgust seized him at this sight.

Adjective 'tiefer' in nominative masculine.

Es ist schwer, seinen Ekel zu verbergen.

It is hard to hide one's disgust.

Impersonal 'Es ist...' construction.

Der Ekel vor Fleisch ist bei ihr neu.

The disgust of meat is new for her.

Prepositional object 'vor Fleisch'.

Dieses Ekel hat mich schon wieder angelogen.

This jerk lied to me again.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieses' (often used for the person).

Das Gefühl von Ekel ist sehr stark.

The feeling of disgust is very strong.

Genitive-like construction with 'von'.

Er schüttelte sich vor Ekel.

He shuddered with disgust.

Reflexive verb 'sich schütteln' with 'vor'.

Ekel kann uns vor Krankheiten schützen.

Disgust can protect us from diseases.

Modal verb 'kann' + 'vor' + Dative.

Der moralische Ekel gegenüber Korruption wächst in der Gesellschaft.

Moral disgust towards corruption is growing in society.

Adjective 'moralische' + 'gegenüber' + Dative.

Oft ist Ekel eine kulturell bedingte Reaktion.

Often disgust is a culturally determined reaction.

Adverbial placement of 'oft'.

Der Film erregte bei vielen Zuschauern Ekel.

The film caused disgust in many viewers.

Collocation 'Ekel erregen'.

Trotz seines Ekels untersuchte der Arzt die Wunde.

Despite his disgust, the doctor examined the wound.

Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive 'seines Ekels'.

Die Ekelprüfung im Fernsehen war kaum zu ertragen.

The disgust test on TV was hard to bear.

Compound noun 'Ekelprüfung'.

Seine Worte lösten bei mir puren Ekel aus.

His words triggered pure disgust in me.

Separable verb 'auslösen' + Accusative.

Man kann den Ekel in der Kunst bewusst einsetzen.

One can consciously use disgust in art.

Modal verb + adverb + infinitive.

Der Ekel vor der eigenen Schwäche kann motivierend sein.

Disgust at one's own weakness can be motivating.

Abstract usage of 'Ekel'.

Sartres Werk 'Der Ekel' thematisiert die existenzielle Übelkeit.

Sartre's work 'The Disgust' themes existential nausea.

Literary reference.

Es gibt eine feine Linie zwischen Ekel und Faszination.

There is a fine line between disgust and fascination.

Abstract noun pairing.

Die Ästhetik des Ekels ist ein interessantes Forschungsfeld.

The aesthetics of disgust is an interesting field of research.

Genitive 'des Ekels'.

Er unterdrückte den aufkommenden Ekel mit aller Gewalt.

He suppressed the rising disgust with all his might.

Participle 'aufkommenden' as an adjective.

Kulturelle Tabus sind oft eng mit dem Ekel verknüpft.

Cultural taboos are often closely linked with disgust.

Passive construction with 'verknüpft'.

Der Ekel fungiert hier als sozialer Abwehrmechanismus.

Disgust functions here as a social defense mechanism.

Scientific/Sociological register.

In der Politik wird Ekel oft instrumentalisiert, um Ausgrenzung zu rechtfertigen.

In politics, disgust is often instrumentalized to justify exclusion.

Complex passive sentence with 'um...zu'.

Die physische Manifestation des Ekels ist universell.

The physical manifestation of disgust is universal.

Academic terminology.

Die Perzeption des Ekels variiert signifikant zwischen den Epochen.

The perception of disgust varies significantly between eras.

High-level vocabulary ('Perzeption', 'signifikant').

Eine tiefgreifende Aversion kann in pathologischen Ekel umschlagen.

A profound aversion can turn into pathological disgust.

Medical/Psychological register.

Die Ambivalenz von Ekel und Begehren ist ein zentrales Motiv der Dekadenzdichtung.

The ambivalence of disgust and desire is a central motif of decadent poetry.

Literary analysis register.

Man muss die ontologische Dimension des Ekels berücksichtigen.

One must consider the ontological dimension of disgust.

Philosophical terminology.

Der Ekel dient als Katalysator für moralische Läuterung.

Disgust serves as a catalyst for moral purification.

Metaphorical usage.

In seiner Radikalität entzieht sich dieser Ekel jeder sprachlichen Fassbarkeit.

In its radicality, this disgust eludes any linguistic graspability.

Sophisticated reflexive structure 'entzieht sich'.

Die viszerale Qualität des Ekels macht ihn zu einem mächtigen Werkzeug der Rhetorik.

The visceral quality of disgust makes it a powerful tool of rhetoric.

Abstract noun 'Qualität' + Genitive.

Er kultivierte seinen Ekel als Form des aristokratischen Protests.

He cultivated his disgust as a form of aristocratic protest.

Nuanced social context.

Common Collocations

Ekel empfinden

Ekel erregen

Ekel überwinden

physischer Ekel

moralischer Ekel

Ekel vor etwas haben

purer Ekel

Ekelgefühl

Ekelgrenze

Ekel-Skandal

Common Phrases

Zum Ekel werden

— To become disgusting or unbearable to someone.

Seine Arroganz wurde allen zum Ekel.

Sich vor Ekel schütteln

— To shake or shudder with disgust.

Sie schüttelte sich vor Ekel bei dem Gedanken.

Den Ekel herunterschlucken

— To suppress or 'swallow' one's disgust.

Er schluckte seinen Ekel herunter und aß weiter.

Ein echtes Ekel sein

— To be a truly unpleasant or mean person.

Sei nicht so ein echtes Ekel!

Vor Ekel das Gesicht verziehen

— To grimace or make a face out of disgust.

Er verzog vor Ekel das Gesicht.

Ein altes Ekel

— A grumpy, nasty old person (usually male).

Der Nachbar ist ein altes Ekel.

Ekel erregend

— Disgusting or causing revulsion (adjectival phrase).

Das war eine Ekel erregende Vorstellung.

Vom Ekel gepackt werden

— To be seized or overcome by disgust.

Plötzlich wurde er vom Ekel gepackt.

Die Ekel-Schwelle

— The threshold at which someone begins to feel disgust.

Jeder hat eine andere Ekel-Schwelle.

Ekel-Attacke

— A sudden, strong feeling of disgust.

Sie bekam eine Ekel-Attacke im Insektenhaus.

Often Confused With

Ekel vs Angst

Angst is fear (danger), Ekel is disgust (contamination). You can have both at once.

Ekel vs Abscheu

Abscheu is more moral/intellectual; Ekel is more visceral/physical.

Ekel vs Hass

Hass is an active desire to harm; Ekel is a desire to withdraw or avoid.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ein Ekelpaket sein"

— To be an extremely unpleasant, rude, or mean person.

Sein Chef ist ein wahres Ekelpaket.

informal

"Sich bis zum Ekel sattsehen"

— To see something so often that you become sick of it.

Ich habe mich an dieser Farbe bis zum Ekel sattgesehen.

neutral

"Das ist zum Ekeln"

— That is absolutely disgusting or revolting.

Wie er sich benimmt, das ist zum Ekeln.

informal

"Sich vor sich selbst ekeln"

— To be disgusted with one's own actions or state.

Nach der Lüge ekelte er sich vor sich selbst.

neutral

"Ein Ekel vor der Welt haben"

— To feel a general disgust or weariness toward the world/existence.

Manchmal hat er einen richtigen Ekel vor der Welt.

literary

"Ekelhaft wie die Nacht"

— Extremely disgusting (rare, but used for emphasis).

Das schmeckt ja ekelhaft wie die Nacht!

informal

"Ekel-Prüfung"

— A test of one's ability to withstand disgusting things (from TV).

Das Zimmer aufzuräumen war eine echte Ekel-Prüfung.

informal

"Sich grün und blau ekeln"

— To be extremely disgusted (variation of 'sich grün und blau ärgern').

Ich könnte mich grün und blau ekeln bei diesem Anblick.

informal

"Ekel ist die beste Würze"

— Ironical saying when someone has to eat something bad (very rare).

Na ja, Ekel ist die beste Würze, iss einfach!

slang

"Ein Ekel von einem Mann"

— A very unpleasant man.

Er ist ein Ekel von einem Mann, wirklich wahr.

neutral

Easily Confused

Ekel vs eklig

Adjective vs Noun.

Eklig describes the object; Ekel is the feeling you have.

Die Spinne ist eklig, deshalb habe ich Ekel.

Ekel vs ekelhaft

Synonymous adjective.

Ekelhaft is often stronger and can imply moral judgment.

Sein Betrug war einfach ekelhaft.

Ekel vs anwidern

Verb with similar meaning.

Anwidern means 'to disgust someone'.

Dein Verhalten widert mich an.

Ekel vs Übelkeit

Physical symptom of Ekel.

Übelkeit is the feeling in the stomach (nausea); Ekel is the emotion.

Vor Ekel bekam er Übelkeit.

Ekel vs Scheu

Similar sound.

Scheu means shyness or timidity, nothing to do with disgust.

Er hat eine Scheu vor Fremden.

Sentence Patterns

Ich habe Ekel vor [Dative Noun].

Ich habe Ekel vor Spinnen.

Er/Sie musste seinen/ihren Ekel überwinden.

Sie musste ihren Ekel überwinden.

Das erregt bei mir [Adjective] Ekel.

Das erregt bei mir großen Ekel.

Sein/Ihr Verhalten löst Ekel aus.

Sein Verhalten löst bei allen Ekel aus.

Trotz des Ekels [Verb] er/sie...

Trotz des Ekels machte er weiter.

Der Ekel fungiert als [Noun].

Der Ekel fungiert als Schutzmechanismus.

Die Grenze zwischen [Noun] und Ekel ist fließend.

Die Grenze zwischen Neugier und Ekel ist fließend.

Sich der ontologischen Dimension des Ekels widmen.

Der Autor widmet sich der ontologischen Dimension des Ekels.

Word Family

Nouns

Ekelhaftigkeit

Ekelgefühl

Ekelprüfung

Ekelpaket

Verbs

ekeln

anekeln

vonekeln

ausekeln

Adjectives

eklig

ekelhaft

ekelerregend

Abscheu

Widerwillen

Übelkeit

Nausea

Igitt

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily life, very common in tabloid media and reality TV.

Common Mistakes

Ich habe Ekel an Schimmel. → Ich habe Ekel vor Schimmel.
The correct preposition is always 'vor'.
Das ist Ekel. → Das ist eklig.
Use the adjective 'eklig' to describe an object, not the noun 'Ekel'.
Ich bin eklig. → Ich habe Ekel. / Mir ist eklig.
'Ich bin eklig' means 'I am disgusting'. If you want to say you feel disgusted, use 'Ich habe Ekel'.
Der Ekel vor die Spinne. → Der Ekel vor der Spinne.
'Vor' takes the dative case in this context.
Ein altes Ekelin. → Ein altes Ekel.
The word 'Ekel' for a person does not change gender for females; it remains 'das Ekel' or 'der Ekel' (usually masculine).

Tips

Watch the Preposition

Always use 'vor' with Ekel. English speakers often want to use 'at' or 'of', but in German, you have disgust 'before' (vor) something. This is a very common mistake to avoid.

Ekel vs. Abscheu

Use 'Ekel' for things that make you want to throw up. Use 'Abscheu' for things that make you lose respect for someone. 'Abscheu' is more about the heart and mind, 'Ekel' is about the gut.

The Long E

The 'E' in Ekel is long. If you say it too short, it might sound like a different word or just sound non-native. Practice saying 'Eeeee-kel'.

Insulting with Ekel

Calling someone 'ein Ekel' is a serious insult. It's not just saying they are annoying; it's saying they are fundamentally unpleasant or 'gross' as a person.

Reality TV Context

If you watch German reality TV, you'll hear 'Ekel' a lot. It's a great way to hear the word used in high-stress, emotional contexts.

Hygiene Standards

Germans are often very direct about things that cause Ekel, especially regarding public hygiene. Don't be surprised if someone uses the word directly if they see something dirty.

Compound Words

Don't be afraid to create compound words like 'Ekelgefühl'. German loves combining 'Ekel' with other nouns to specify the type of disgust.

Survival Instinct

Remember that 'Ekel' is a survival instinct. When you use it, you are expressing a deep, biological 'no'. This gives the word its power.

Ekelpaket

A fun (but mean) word to learn is 'Ekelpaket'. It literally means 'disgust-package' and is used for someone who is just 100% unpleasant.

Sartre's Influence

If you want to sound very educated, mention 'Der Ekel' by Sartre. It's a famous literary reference that every educated German speaker knows.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an 'Eel' (Ekel sounds a bit like Eel) covered in 'Ketchup' that makes you feel 'Ekel'.

Visual Association

Think of someone wrinkling their nose at a pile of trash—that face is the embodiment of 'Ekel'.

Word Web

Schmutz Spinnen Moral Nase rümpfen Übelkeit Essen Schimmel Widerlich

Challenge

Try to name three things that cause you 'Ekel' and three things that cause you 'Abscheu'. Explain why.

Word Origin

From the Middle High German 'ekel', which is related to the verb 'eken' (to feel disgust). It shares roots with the Low German 'ekel'.

Original meaning: The root is connected to the idea of something sharp or irritating, which evolved into a feeling of physical or mental irritation/disgust.

Germanic.

Cultural Context

Calling a person 'ein Ekel' is a strong insult. Use it with caution as it can be very offensive.

English speakers often use 'gross' or 'disgusting' as adjectives. In German, the noun 'Ekel' is used more frequently in formal and psychological contexts than 'disgust' is in English.

Jean-Paul Sartre's 'Der Ekel' (La Nausée) The character 'Ekel Alfred' from 'Ein Herz und eine Seele' The 'Ekelprüfungen' in 'Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Food and Cooking

Ekel vor verdorbenem Essen
Das riecht nach Ekel
Ekel-Fleisch
Den Ekel herunterschlucken

Cleaning and Hygiene

Ekel vor Schmutz
Den Ekel überwinden
Ekel erregende Zustände
Hygienischer Ekel

Social Situations

Ein altes Ekel
Ekel vor Lügen
Moralischer Ekel
Jemanden ein Ekel nennen

Nature and Animals

Ekel vor Spinnen
Ekel vor Schlangen
Natürlicher Ekel
Sich vor Insekten ekeln

Media and Entertainment

Ekel-Prüfung
Ekel-Skandal
Ekel-Faktor
Ekel-Video

Conversation Starters

"Hast du Ekel vor bestimmten Tieren wie Spinnen oder Schlangen?"

"Was war die schlimmste Ekel-Prüfung, die du je im Fernsehen gesehen hast?"

"Musstest du schon mal deinen Ekel überwinden, um etwas Wichtiges zu tun?"

"Findest du, dass moralischer Ekel schlimmer ist als physischer Ekel?"

"Gibt es Essen, das bei dir sofort Ekel auslöst?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du deinen Ekel überwinden musstest. Wie hast du dich dabei gefühlt?

Gibt es einen Unterschied zwischen Ekel und Angst für dich? Erkläre es an einem Beispiel.

Warum ist Ekel eine wichtige Emotion für das Überleben des Menschen?

Schreibe über eine Person, die du als 'Ekel' bezeichnen würdest, ohne ihren echten Namen zu nennen.

Wie gehst du damit um, wenn jemand in deiner Nähe etwas tut, das bei dir Ekel erregt?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'der Ekel' is the standard masculine noun for the feeling. When referring to a person, it is also 'der Ekel', though some dialects might treat it as 'das Ekel' in a derogatory way.

Both mean 'disgusting'. 'Eklig' is more common in everyday speech for physical things. 'Ekelhaft' is slightly stronger and more frequently used for moral or social behavior.

No, that would mean 'I am (the feeling of) disgust'. You should say 'Ich habe Ekel' or 'Ich ekle mich'.

You can say 'Er ist ein Ekel'. This means he is a very unpleasant, rude, or mean person. It is a common insult.

Yes, it is a very common and essential word for expressing strong dislike or physical revulsion.

The preposition is always 'vor' followed by the dative case. For example: 'Ekel vor dem Essen'.

Almost never. It is a purely negative emotion. However, in art or horror movies, people might 'enjoy' the sensation of Ekel in a controlled way.

It is a term used by German media to describe meat that is spoiled, expired, or produced under extremely unhygienic conditions.

Yes, 'sich ekeln'. For example: 'Ich ekle mich vor Spinnen'.

A famous TV character from the 1970s who was known for being rude, reactionary, and generally unpleasant—a classic 'Ekel'.