makaber
macabre
The German word "makaber" is an adjective that means "macabre" or "gruesome." It describes something that is horrifying, relating to death or the darker aspects of life, and often entails a sense of morbid curiosity. The word has the same roots in Middle French ("macabre") and is used similarly in English.
Similar words in German include "gruselig" (creepy), "schauerlich" (ghastly), and "unheimlich" (eerie).
Differences:
- "Gruselig" focuses more on causing a feeling of fear or unease.
- "Schauerlich" emphasizes a ghastly or horrific quality.
- "Unheimlich" pertains to something uncanny or eerily unsettling.
While "makaber" specifically evokes a connection to death and the macabre, the other terms can encompass a broader range of unsettling or frightening characteristics.
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Examples
Der Film war makaber und gruselig.adjective
The movie was macabre and creepy.
Das Buch hat einen makaberen Humor.adjective
The book has a macabre humor.
Er findet den Witz makaber.adjective
He finds the joke macabre.
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