In German
hässlich
Meaning: ugly
Formal or informal? “Hässlich” is strong. For a softer way to say something isn't nice, use “nicht besonders schön” or “nicht so schön”.
Example sentences
DieTapeteisthässlich.
The wallpaper is ugly.
DasisteinhässlichesBild.
That's an ugly picture.
DieMöbelsindnichtschön,sonderneherhässlich.
The furniture isn't nice, it's rather ugly.
Grammar note
After “ist”, “hässlich” stays unchanged. Before a noun it takes an ending: “ein hässliches Bild”.
Common mistake
Write “hässlich” with “ss”, not “häßlich”. The spelling reform changed it after a short vowel.
Quick check
Which word means “ugly”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's a softer word than hässlich?
“Nicht schön”, or “nicht besonders schön” (not particularly nice).
What's the opposite of hässlich?
“Schön” (beautiful or nice).