German Conversation · Level 55
73 words
German word
bedrohlich
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈdʁoːlɪç/
Meaning
- adjectivethreatening
Example
Seine bedrohliche Haltung machte allen Angst.
His threatening attitude frightened everyone.
More examples
Am Horizont zogen bedrohliche Wolken auf.
Threatening clouds gathered on the horizon.
Core concept
A looming danger hangs over a person or situation, creating fear before harm occurs.
Common phrases
eine bedrohliche Atmosphäre
a threatening atmosphere
ein bedrohliches Geräusch
a threatening sound
bedrohlich wirken
seem threatening
Similar words
gefährlich: Capable of causing harm or damage and requiring caution.
drohend: Implying that an unpleasant event is imminent.
beängstigend: Making people feel frightened or deeply uneasy.
alarmierend: Raising strong concern about a situation or development.
Definition in German
bedrohlich kennzeichnet etwas, das Furcht oder Sorge auslöst und als potenziell gefährlich wahrgenommen wird.
Word origin
Bedrohlich derives from the verb bedrohen, 'to threaten', with the adjective suffix -lich; bedrohen is formed from drohen, 'to threaten'.
Usage tips
- Bedrohlich means threatening, whereas bedroht means threatened or endangered; the two adjectives describe opposite sides of a danger.