German Phrase
Das ekelt mich an.
Meaning
This phrase is used to express a strong sense of physical or moral revulsion toward something. It utilizes the separable verb 'anekeln', which literally means to cause disgust in someone.
When to use
Use this when you encounter something repulsive, such as rotting food, a foul smell, or an act you find morally reprehensible. It is a very direct and strong expression of dislike.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dasekeltmichan
Separable Verb (anekeln)
The verb 'anekeln' is separable. In the present tense, the prefix 'an' is placed at the very end of the sentence.
Accusative Pronoun
'Mich' is the accusative form of 'ich'. The thing causing disgust is the subject (Das), and the person feeling it is the object (mich).
🗨In Conversation
Guck mal, der alte Käse hier im Kühlschrank.
Look at the old cheese here in the fridge.
Igitt, das ekelt mich an!
Yuck, that disgusts me!
✕Common Mistakes
Das ekelt mir an.
The verb 'anekeln' requires the accusative case (mich), not the dative case (mir).
Das anekelt mich.
In a main clause, the separable prefix 'an' must move to the end of the sentence.
↔Alternatives
Das ist eklig.
That is disgusting.
Ich finde das widerlich.
I find that repulsive.
Cultural Tip
While Germans are known for being direct, this phrase is quite intense. In social settings where you want to be more polite, you might prefer 'Das ist nicht so mein Fall' (That's not really my thing) to avoid sounding overly aggressive.