ätzend
acrid · corrosive · toxic
So schlimm oder nervig, dass es einen sehr stört.
The German word "ätzend" is an adjective meaning "caustic," "corrosive," or "nasty" in a literal and figurative sense. It comes from the verb "ätzen" which means "to etch" or "to corrode", usually referring to a chemical process that eats away material.
- Literal meaning: corrosive substances that can burn or eat away material (like acid).
- Figurative meaning: describing situations, people, or experiences that are very unpleasant, annoying, or toxic.
Similar words:
- bitter (bitter, unpleasant)
- unangenehm (unpleasant)
- ärgerlich (annoying)
- ätzsäurehaltig (acidic, when referring chemically)
Differences:
- While "ätzend" can describe a harsh or biting tone/emotion, words like "ärgerlich" focus more on annoyance, and "bitter" on sadness or bitterness.
- "ätzend" emphasizes a stronger, more "burning" negative effect, both literally and figuratively.
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Examples
Der Geruch dieser Chemikalie ist wirklich ätzend.adjective
The smell of this chemical is really acrid.
Manche finden den Gestank sehr ätzend.adjective
Some people find the stench very acrid.
Manche Substanzen riechen so ätzend, dass man das Fenster öffnen muss.adverb
Some substances smell so acrid that one has to open the window.
Viele Chemikalien sind ätzend und müssen mit Vorsicht behandelt werden.adjective
Many chemicals are corrosive and must be handled with care.
Die Stimmung in der Besprechung war ziemlich ätzend.adjective
The mood in the meeting was pretty toxic.
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