Anwidern vs. anekeln
The German words anwidern and anekeln both mean to disgust, but they differ slightly in terms of tone, context, and usage. These differences influence how the words are applied in various situations.
Anwidern
B2Anwidern conveys disgust in a broader or more emotional sense, often tied to a subjective reaction by the speaker. It might describe something that is deeply unpleasant or revolting on a personal level.
Der Gedanke an Unehrlichkeit widert ihn an.
(The thought of dishonesty disgusts him.)
Mich widert es an, wenn Menschen Tiere schlecht behandeln.
(I am disgusted when people treat animals badly.)
Das Essen war so schlecht, dass es ihn anwiderte.
(The food was so bad that it disgusted him.)
Anekeln
B1Anekeln is often used in a more direct, visceral sense, describing physical or sensory disgust. It tends to focus on something that causes a feeling of repulsion, such as bad smells, unpleasant sights, or distasteful behavior.
Der Gestank im Abfallraum ekelte sie an.
(The stench in the garbage room disgusted her.)
Mich ekelt es an, Blut zu sehen.
(I am disgusted by the sight of blood.)
Sein unhygienisches Verhalten hat mich total angeekelt.
(His unhygienic behavior completely disgusted me.)
Summary
Anwidern often has a broader, more emotional or personal application that pertains to an inner feeling of disgust, while anekeln emphasizes a physical or sensory reaction to something repulsive. Both terms are used to express disgust, but they differ in tone and context depending on the situation.