German Phrase
Das ist eklig.
Meaning
This phrase is used to express strong distaste or revulsion towards something. It can refer to physical objects like spoiled food or abstract concepts like inappropriate behavior.
When to use
Use this in informal settings when you encounter something physically repulsive or morally offensive. It is a direct and common way to say 'that's gross'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dasisteklig
Das
A demonstrative pronoun used here to mean 'that' or 'this'.
ist
The third-person singular form of the verb 'sein' (to be).
eklig
An adjective derived from the noun 'Ekel'. It remains uninflected here because it follows the verb 'ist'.
🗨In Conversation
Riech mal an dieser alten Milch.
Smell this old milk.
Nein danke, das ist eklig!
No thanks, that is disgusting!
✕Common Mistakes
Das ist Ekel.
Use the adjective 'eklig' to describe a state; 'Ekel' is the noun meaning 'disgust'.
Ich bin eklig.
This means you are a disgusting person; use 'Das ist eklig' to describe the object or situation instead.
↔Alternatives
Igitt!
Yuck!
Das ist widerlich.
That is repulsive.
Pfui!
Shame / Gross!
Cultural Tip
Germans are often quite direct with their opinions, so 'eklig' is used frequently in casual conversation. In more formal or polite contexts, you might want to use 'unangenehm' (unpleasant) to avoid being overly blunt.