When we speak about things that scare us, we can use Angst haben to articulate our fear. You can have a look at this lesson in which we discuss the prepositions used along with this verb to talk about being afraid.

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When it comes to describing something as scary or frightening, it's important to note that ängstlich is not the correct adjective, as this means "anxious" or "fearful":

Joringel war sehr ängstlich und warnte Jorinde, nicht näher zu gehen.

Joringel was very anxious and warned Jorinde not to go any closer.

Caption 15, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Jorinde und Joringel

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The adjective erschreckend can be applied in many contexts, and can mean both "alarming" and "frightening."

Erschreckend sind die Zahlen bei den Vierzehn- bis Siebzehnjährigen.

The figures for fourteen to seventeen year olds are alarming.

Caption 31, Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten: Die ZDF Sommerinterviews

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For something that is more than merely alarming—perhaps even terrifying—stronger adjectives exist:​

Gespensterkrebse mögen furchterregend aussehen, aber auch sie wählen andere Nahrung.

Skeleton shrimp may look terrifying, but they also prefer different sustenance.

Captions 4-5, Abenteuer Nordsee: Unter Riesenhaien und Tintenfischen

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Diese Tiere sind oft sehr angsteinflößend.

These animals are often very fear-inducing.

Caption 13, Ratespiel: Meerestiere

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If you've watched our recent Yabla German videos about Halloween, you might have noticed that Ivana and Paula use the word gruselig quite a lot. This means "spooky" or "creepy."

Halloween wäre nicht Halloween ohne gruselige Kostüme.

Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without spooky costumes.

Captions 24-25, Halloween: Grusel, Spaß und Kürbisse

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The adjective schaurig is even stronger, and can even be translated as "ghastly."

Heute tauchen wir ein in die schaurige Welt von Halloween.

Today, we're going to dive into the eerie world of Halloween.

Captions 3-4, Halloween Grusel, Spaß und Kürbisse

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Further Learning
If you haven't already, check out the Halloween videos that went up last week on Yabla German, and review the verb Angst haben if necessary.