unheimlich
Translation
eerie, uncanny, creepy, tremendous
Examples
Das alte Haus hat eine unheimliche Atmosphäre.
The old house has an eerie atmosphere.
Sie hat unheimlich viel Talent.
She has a tremendous amount of talent.
Grammar Patterns
((attributive)) an eerie ... That was an unheimliche encounter.
((predicative)) ... is eerie The silence in the forest was unheimlich.
((adverbial)) tremendously ... He ran unheimlich fast.
Similar Words
Synonyms: eerie, creepy, spooky; Antonyms: homely, cozy, familiar (heimelig, gemütlich)
Etymology
From 'un-' (not) + 'Heim' (home) + '-lich' (-ly/like). Literally 'un-homely', meaning something that is unsettling and not familiar.
Memory Tips
Think of a place that is 'un-homely'. It doesn't feel safe and comfortable like a home, which makes it feel eerie or creepy.