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B1 adjective #4,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

gescheitert

Top 4,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces gescheitert en 30 secondes

Explication gescheitert in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn very simple words like 'kaputt' (broken) or 'nicht gut' (not good) to describe things that don't work. 'Gescheitert' is a bit too advanced for a beginner, but you might see it in headlines. At this stage, just think of it as a very strong way to say 'it didn't work' (es hat nicht funktioniert). You don't need to use it yourself yet, but if you see it, know that it means a 'big no' happened. For example, if you see a picture of a broken bridge and the word 'gescheitert', it means the building plan failed. Beginners should focus on the fact that German often has specific words for failure. While 'kaputt' is for objects, 'gescheitert' is for ideas and plans. It is like a 'game over' screen in a video game. You will mostly hear it on the news or in very serious stories. If you want to say you failed a small task, just say 'Ich konnte es nicht machen' (I couldn't do it). 'Gescheitert' is like the boss level of failure words. It is important to notice the 'ge-' at the start, which often tells you it is a past action. Even at A1, you can start to recognize that 'ge-' words usually describe something that already happened. So 'gescheitert' means the failure is already complete. It is over. It is done.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn past tenses. You know 'ist' and 'war'. You might encounter 'gescheitert' in simple stories or news snippets. The most important thing to learn now is that this word uses 'sein' as its helper verb. You would say 'Das Projekt ist gescheitert' (The project is failed). You might also see it as an adjective describing a person or a thing, like 'ein gescheiterter Plan'. At A2, you should begin to distinguish between 'verlieren' (to lose a game) and 'scheitern' (to fail a plan). If you lose a soccer match, you are not 'gescheitert', you just 'verloren'. But if your whole career as a soccer player ends because of an injury, you might say your dream 'ist gescheitert'. This word is for when the whole thing stops working. You can use it to talk about your language learning in a funny way, like 'Mein Versuch, heute Deutsch zu sprechen, ist gescheitert' (My attempt to speak German today failed), but remember it sounds very dramatic! A2 students should also notice the preposition 'an'. You fail 'an' something. 'Ich bin an der Grammatik gescheitert.' Even if you don't use it perfectly, recognizing that 'an' follows this word is a great step forward in your German journey.

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B1 is the level where 'gescheitert' becomes a core part of your vocabulary. You are now expected to talk about your life, your goals, and social issues. You will use 'gescheitert' to describe more complex situations, such as 'gescheiterte Verhandlungen' (failed negotiations) or 'an einer Aufgabe scheitern' (to fail at a task). You should understand the nuance that 'gescheitert' implies a significant effort was made. It's not just a mistake; it's a collapse. You will learn to use it with the preposition 'an' followed by the dative case. This is a common test topic at B1. For example, 'Er ist an seinem Stolz gescheitert' (He failed because of his pride). You also start to see it in more formal contexts, like business meetings or news reports. You should be able to explain *why* something failed using this word. Instead of just saying 'It didn't work,' you can say 'The plan failed due to lack of money' (Der Plan ist am Geldmangel gescheitert). This makes your German sound much more professional and precise. You should also be able to form the adjective correctly: 'Die gescheiterte Ehe war traurig.' At this level, you are building the bridge between simple daily communication and more serious, meaningful conversation, and 'gescheitert' is a key brick in 그 bridge.

At the B2 level, you should use 'gescheitert' with nuance and precision. You understand that it is often used in the 'Zustandspassiv' (state passive) or as a resultative participle. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'das Scheitern der Demokratie' (the failure of democracy) or 'ein gescheiterter Staat' (a failed state). You are also aware of its synonyms and can choose the right word for the right situation. You know that 'fehlgeschlagen' is better for a technical experiment, while 'gescheitert' is better for a human endeavor. You can use it in complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and modal constructions. For example: 'Es gibt viele Gründe, warum das Projekt hätte scheitern können, aber letztendlich ist es an der Kommunikation gescheitert.' (There are many reasons why the project could have failed, but ultimately it failed because of communication). You also understand the cultural weight of the word in Germany, particularly in the context of 'Vergangenheitsbewältigung' (struggling to come to terms with the past) or political history. You might use it in essays to analyze characters in literature who are 'gescheiterte Persönlichkeiten'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'gescheitert' not just as a verb, but as a sophisticated adjective that adds depth to your descriptions.

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At C1, you have a near-native grasp of 'gescheitert'. You use it effortlessly in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You understand the philosophical implications of the word—how 'das Scheitern' is a theme in existentialist literature (like Kafka or Camus). You can use it metaphorically and idiomatically without thinking. You might use phrases like 'kläglich gescheitert' (miserably failed) or 'grandios gescheitert' (failed spectacularly) to add rhetorical flair to your speech. You are also familiar with legal and bureaucratic uses, such as 'für gescheitert erklären' in official proceedings. You can participate in high-level debates about 'die gescheiterte Integration' or 'das gescheiterte Bildungssystem' and provide detailed arguments using the word. At this level, you also recognize when *not* to use it—avoiding it in favor of more specific terms like 'marode' for a failing building or 'insolvent' for a failing company, unless you want to emphasize the existential aspect of the failure. You can write long, complex sentences where 'gescheitert' is part of a sophisticated argument, and you understand the subtle difference in tone between 'ist gescheitert' and 'gilt als gescheitert' (is considered failed).

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At the C2 level, 'gescheitert' is a tool for precise, high-level expression. You can use it to discuss the most complex topics, from the 'Entropie' of a system to the 'gescheiterte Ontologie' in philosophy. You understand the finest nuances of the word's history and its resonance in German intellectual life. You can use it in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere of ruin or disappointment. You are comfortable with all its grammatical forms, including the less common 'Scheitern' as a gerund in complex nominal styles. You can analyze how the word is used in political rhetoric to assign blame or signal the end of an era. Your use of 'gescheitert' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You might even use it in a self-deprecating, ironic way that requires a deep understanding of German social cues. You can distinguish between 'ein gescheiterter Mensch' (someone who has failed in life) and 'ein Mensch, der gescheitert ist' (someone who has experienced a failure), recognizing the profound difference in identity and state that these phrases imply. You are a master of the word's placement, its rhythm in a sentence, and its ability to close an argument with a sense of finality.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

gescheitert en 30 secondes

Gescheitert means 'failed' in a definitive, often heavy sense.
It is the past participle of 'scheitern' and always uses 'sein'.
Commonly used for plans, marriages, and political negotiations.
Usually followed by 'an' + Dative to explain the cause of failure.

The German word gescheitert is an adjective and the past participle of the verb scheitern. It is a powerful, often heavy word used to describe a total lack of success in a project, a relationship, a political endeavor, or a personal goal. Unlike the English word 'failed,' which can sometimes feel clinical or transactional, gescheitert often carries a sense of finality and emotional weight. It suggests that something has broken apart or come to a definitive end without reaching its intended destination. In German culture, where precision and planning are highly valued, the concept of being gescheitert is taken quite seriously, though modern discourse is increasingly focused on the 'culture of failure' (Fehlerkultur) and learning from these moments.

Core Meaning: To be unsuccessful; to have miscarried or collapsed entirely after effort was applied.

You will encounter this word in various spheres of life. In the news, it is frequently used in the context of political negotiations. If two parties cannot reach an agreement after weeks of talks, the media will report that the 'Verhandlungen sind gescheitert' (negotiations have failed). In personal contexts, it is the standard way to describe a marriage that has ended in divorce: 'eine gescheiterte Ehe'. It implies that the foundation of the union could no longer hold. The word doesn't just mean a small mistake; it implies a systemic or structural collapse of the endeavor.

Das ehrgeizige Projekt ist an der Finanzierung gescheitert.

The etymology of the word provides a vivid image. It comes from the Middle High German word for 'Scheit', which means a piece of wood or a log. To 'scheitern' originally meant that a ship ran aground and broke into pieces (logs). When you say a plan is gescheitert, you are metaphorically saying it has hit the rocks and shattered into fragments. This imagery helps English speakers understand why the word feels more 'broken' than just 'unsuccessful'.

Nach jahrelangen Versuchen ist der Reformplan endgültig gescheitert.

Emotional Nuance: It often carries a tone of regret or gravity. It is less common to use it for trivial things like failing a small quiz; for that, Germans use 'durchgefallen'.

Sie fühlt sich wie eine gescheiterte Künstlerin, obwohl sie viele Fans hat.

In professional settings, the term is used to analyze why a startup or a business model didn't work. A 'gescheitertes Unternehmen' is a company that has gone bankrupt or ceased operations because it couldn't meet its goals. However, in the modern German tech scene, there is a push to view a 'gescheitertes Projekt' as a stepping stone rather than a permanent stain on one's reputation. This shift reflects a more Americanized view of failure as a learning opportunity.

Die Friedensgespräche sind leider kläglich gescheitert.

Common Collocations: Kläglich gescheitert (miserably failed), endgültig gescheitert (finally failed), an den Umständen gescheitert (failed due to circumstances).

Sein Versuch, die Welt zu verändern, ist am Widerstand der Mächtigen gescheitert.

Using gescheitert correctly requires understanding its role as both an adjective and a past participle. When used as a past participle in the perfect tense, it almost always follows the preposition an (at/on) to indicate the reason for the failure. This is a crucial grammatical pattern for English speakers to master, as we often use 'because of' or 'due to'. In German, you 'fail at' something (an etwas scheitern).

Sentence Structure 1: The Perfect Tense: Subject + sein (conjugated) + [an + Dative] + gescheitert. Example: 'Er ist an seiner eigenen Arroganz gescheitert.'

In this structure, gescheitert sits at the very end of the sentence. The auxiliary verb ist (from sein) is mandatory because scheitern describes a change of state (from functioning to failed). If you are describing a person who has failed in life generally, you might simply say 'Er ist gescheitert,' which is a very heavy statement implying a total loss of status or purpose.

Die Verhandlungen sind gescheitert, weil keine Einigung erzielt wurde.

When used as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun), gescheitert must take the appropriate adjective endings. This is common in formal writing and journalism. You will see phrases like 'ein gescheiterter Versuch' (a failed attempt) or 'die gescheiterte Mission' (the failed mission). Here, it functions just like any other adjective like 'gut' or 'schön', but it carries the specific meaning of something that didn't reach its goal.

Ein gescheiterter Politiker versucht oft, in der Wirtschaft Fuß zu fassen.

Sentence Structure 2: Attributive Adjective: [Article] + gescheiterte/r/s + [Noun]. Example: 'Der gescheiterte Plan wurde verworfen.'

Another nuance is using gescheitert to describe a person's identity. A 'gescheiterte Existenz' is a particularly harsh German idiom for a 'failure' of a person—someone who has lost their job, money, and social standing. It is a term you should use with great caution as it is quite insulting and suggests the person's entire life is a wreck.

Trotz aller Bemühungen ist das Experiment im Labor gescheitert.

In subordinate clauses, the verb placement rules of German apply. If you use 'weil' (because), the conjugated form of sein moves to the end, leaving gescheitert in the penultimate position. For example: 'Ich bin traurig, weil mein Plan gescheitert ist.' Mastering this word order is a key B1/B2 skill.

Es war ein gescheitertes Projekt von Anfang an.

The 'An' Preposition: Always remember: Scheitern + an + Dative. 'Die Firma ist an der Konkurrenz gescheitert' (The company failed because of the competition).

Sind wir an unseren eigenen Erwartungen gescheitert?

The word gescheitert is a staple of German public discourse, appearing in contexts ranging from the evening news to existential literature. If you watch the 'Tagesschau' (Germany's most famous news program), you will hear it almost weekly. It is the professional, standard way to describe political stalemates, failed legislation, or collapsed international summits. For a German learner, recognizing this word is key to understanding the 'bad news' sections of any newspaper.

In Politics and Media: Used to describe coalition talks (Koalitionsverhandlungen), peace treaties, or economic reforms that didn't pass. It sounds definitive and objective.

In the business world, gescheitert is used in post-mortem analyses of companies. When a well-known startup goes under, analysts will discuss the 'gescheitertes Geschäftsmodell' (failed business model). It is a word that demands an explanation—people rarely say something failed without immediately following up with 'an...' to explain the cause, such as 'am Markt' (at the market) or 'an der Bürokratie' (at the bureaucracy).

Die Tagesschau meldete, dass der Gipfel in Brüssel gescheitert ist.

In social and private life, the word appears in more somber conversations. As mentioned, 'eine gescheiterte Ehe' (a failed marriage) or 'eine gescheiterte Beziehung' (a failed relationship) are standard terms. While 'Trennung' (separation) describes the act, gescheitert describes the state of the union. It is also used in self-reflection. Someone might say, 'Ich bin mit dem Versuch, mit dem Rauchen aufzuhören, gescheitert' (I failed in my attempt to quit smoking). Here, it conveys a sense of personal defeat.

Viele Start-ups sind im ersten Jahr bereits gescheitert.

In Literature and Philosophy: German philosophy (think Nietzsche or Schopenhauer) often deals with the 'gescheiterte' nature of human ambition. It's a heavy, intellectual term.

Er sah sich selbst als einen gescheiterten Mann ohne Zukunft.

You will also hear it in sports, though less frequently than 'verloren' (lost). If a team had a huge goal—like winning the championship—and they don't even make the playoffs, a commentator might say they are 'an ihren eigenen Zielen gescheitert'. It emphasizes the gap between expectation and reality. In everyday speech, if someone tries to fix a sink and ends up making a bigger mess, they might jokingly say: 'Ich bin kläglich gescheitert!'

Das Vorhaben, pünktlich zu sein, ist am dichten Verkehr gescheitert.

Legal and Formal Use: A 'gescheitertes Verfahren' refers to a legal proceeding that could not be completed for technical or procedural reasons.

Die Ehe gilt nach deutschem Recht als gescheitert, wenn die Lebensgemeinschaft nicht mehr besteht.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with gescheitert is choosing the wrong auxiliary verb. In English, we say 'I have failed'. Naturally, learners want to translate this as 'Ich habe gescheitert'. However, scheitern is a verb of 'change of condition' (from success/possibility to failure/impossibility), and in German, these verbs take sein. Therefore, 'Ich bin gescheitert' is the only correct form. Using 'habe' will immediately mark you as a beginner.

Mistake 1: The Auxiliary Verb: Incorrect: 'Das Projekt hat gescheitert.' Correct: 'Das Projekt ist gescheitert.'

Another common mistake is confusing gescheitert with durchgefallen. While both can be translated as 'failed', they are used in different contexts. Durchgefallen is specifically for exams, tests, or auditions. If you say 'Ich bin in der Prüfung gescheitert,' it sounds incredibly dramatic, as if the exam destroyed your entire life path. Usually, you just want to say you didn't pass, which is 'Ich bin durchgefallen'. Save gescheitert for the big stuff: careers, plans, and relationships.

Er ist nicht nur durchgefallen, er ist an dem ganzen Studium gescheitert.

Learners also struggle with the preposition an. In English, we might say 'failed because of' or 'failed due to'. In German, you must use an + Dative. A common error is using 'wegen' (because of) with gescheitert. While 'wegen' is grammatically possible, the idiomatic way to express the cause of failure with this specific verb is 'an'. For example: 'Er ist an der Aufgabe gescheitert' (He failed at the task).

Wir sind gescheitert, aber nicht an mangelndem Willen.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'verpasst': Don't use 'gescheitert' for missing a bus or an opportunity. Use 'verpasst'. 'Gescheitert' is for the failure of the attempt itself.

A stylistic mistake is overusing the word. Because it is so heavy, using it for minor inconveniences can sound sarcastic or overly self-pitying. If you couldn't find your keys, don't say 'Ich bin an der Suche gescheitert' unless you want to be funny. Simply say 'Ich habe sie nicht gefunden'. Use gescheitert when the failure has consequences or involves a significant effort that came to nothing.

Die Mission zum Mars ist leider gescheitert.

Finally, remember adjective endings. If you use it before a noun, it must agree. 'Ein gescheitertes Experiment' (neuter), 'eine gescheiterte Idee' (feminine), 'ein gescheiterter Plan' (masculine). Many students forget to add the '-es', '-e', or '-er' and just say 'ein gescheitert Plan', which is incorrect.

Das ist ein gescheitertes Beispiel für schlechte Planung.

Mistake 3: Transitive Use: Never say 'Ich scheitere das Projekt'. It must be 'Das Projekt scheitert' or 'Ich scheitere an dem Projekt'.

Selbst kluge Köpfe sind schon an dieser Frage gescheitert.

German has several words for 'failed', each with its own flavor. Understanding the difference between gescheitert, missglückt, fehlgeschlagen, and verpatzt will help you sound more like a native speaker. While gescheitert is the most 'epic' and definitive, the others are useful for more specific or less serious situations.

Gescheitert vs. Missglückt: Gescheitert: Large scale, systemic, final (e.g., a marriage).
Missglückt: A specific attempt that didn't go well, often used for creative or manual tasks (e.g., a cake that didn't rise).

Fehlgeschlagen is very similar to gescheitert but is more technical and less emotional. It is often used for 'failed attempts' or 'failed experiments' in a scientific or formal context. If a rocket launch is unsuccessful, you could use either, but 'fehlgeschlagen' sounds more like a technical report, while 'gescheitert' sounds more like a tragedy.

Der Versuch ist fehlgeschlagen, aber wir haben viel gelernt.

Then there is verpatzt. This is informal and means to 'botch' or 'screw up' something. If you forget your lines in a play, you 'verpatzt' your performance. It implies a clumsy mistake rather than a structural failure. It is much lighter than gescheitert. You wouldn't say a marriage was 'verpatzt' unless you were being very cynical or dismissive.

Ich habe mein Vorstellungsgespräch total verpatzt.

Gescheitert vs. Durchgefallen: Durchgefallen: Only for exams or official tests.
Gescheitert: For the broader goal behind the test.

Das Soufflé ist leider missglückt.

Another interesting alternative is bankrott. While it specifically means 'bankrupt' in a financial sense, it is sometimes used metaphorically for moral or intellectual failure: 'moralisch gescheitert' or 'moralisch bankrott'. However, gescheitert remains the most versatile word for describing any plan that has come to a grinding halt.

Die diplomatischen Bemühungen sind endgültig gescheitert.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. Missglückt (unsuccessful attempt) 2. Fehlgeschlagen (technical failure) 3. Verpatzt (botched/informal) 4. Durchgefallen (failed an exam).

Sein Plan, im Lotto zu gewinnen, ist an der Mathematik gescheitert.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word is a nautical metaphor. When you fail in German, you are literally 'breaking into logs' like an old wooden ship on the rocks.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡəˈʃaɪ̯tɐt/

US /ɡəˈʃaɪ̯tərt/

The stress is on the second syllable: ge-SCHEI-tert.

Rime avec

erweitert (expanded) geheitert (cheered up) geläutert (purified) gegeitert gebeitert gegleitert gereitert gescheitert

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ge-' as 'jee'. It should be a hard 'g' like 'get'.
Missing the final 't', making it sound like 'gescheiter' (which means 'smarter').
Stressing the first syllable.
Mispronouncing 'ei' as 'ee'. It should be 'ai' as in 'light'.
Over-pronouncing the 'r' in the final syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in news headlines once you know the root.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and the preposition 'an'.

Expression orale 4/5

Remembering to use 'sein' instead of 'haben' is the main challenge.

Écoute 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in formal speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

scheitern sein an Erfolg Plan

Apprends ensuite

misslingen fehlgeschlagen durchfallen verpatzt Insolvenz

Avancé

die Hybris kläglich unüberbrückbar das Scheitern die Fehlerkultur

Grammaire à connaître

Verbs with 'sein' in Perfect Tense

Ich bin gescheitert. (Not: Ich habe gescheitert).

Preposition 'an' with Dative

Er ist an der Prüfung gescheitert.

Attributive Adjective Endings

Ein gescheiterter Plan (Masculine Nominative).

Subordinate Clause Word Order

Ich weiß, dass der Plan gescheitert ist.

Genitive Case with 'trotz'

Trotz des Scheiterns machte er weiter.

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Exemples par niveau

Der Plan ist gescheitert.

The plan failed.

Uses 'ist' (sein) as auxiliary.

Das ist gescheitert.

That failed.

Simple subject-verb structure.

Alles ist gescheitert.

Everything failed.

Indefinite pronoun 'alles' as subject.

Mein Versuch ist gescheitert.

My attempt failed.

Possessive determiner 'mein'.

Es ist leider gescheitert.

It unfortunately failed.

Adverb 'leider' for emotion.

Die Idee ist gescheitert.

The idea failed.

Feminine noun 'Idee'.

Wir sind gescheitert.

We failed.

Plural subject 'wir'.

Das Spiel ist gescheitert.

The game failed (meaning the plan for it).

Neuter noun 'Spiel'.

Er ist an der Aufgabe gescheitert.

He failed at the task.

Preposition 'an' + dative.

Die Reise ist am Wetter gescheitert.

The trip failed because of the weather.

Preposition 'an' + dative 'am' (an dem).

Sie ist eine gescheiterte Künstlerin.

She is a failed artist.

Attributive adjective with feminine ending '-e'.

Warum ist das Projekt gescheitert?

Why did the project fail?

Interrogative sentence.

Der Kuchen ist gescheitert.

The cake failed (colloquial).

Metaphorical use for a failed attempt.

Ich bin an dem Test gescheitert.

I failed at the test.

Personal pronoun 'ich'.

Das Treffen ist gescheitert.

The meeting failed.

Neuter noun 'Treffen'.

Er war ein gescheiterter Mann.

He was a failed man.

Past tense of 'sein' (war) + adjective ending '-er'.

Die Verhandlungen sind kläglich gescheitert.

The negotiations failed miserably.

Adverb 'kläglich' for emphasis.

Er ist an seinen eigenen Ansprüchen gescheitert.

He failed due to his own demands.

Reflexive possessive 'seinen eigenen'.

Das Unternehmen ist am Markt gescheitert.

The company failed on the market.

Dative masculine 'am Markt'.

Sie fühlt sich wie eine gescheiterte Existenz.

She feels like a failure (idiom).

Idiomatic phrase 'gescheiterte Existenz'.

Der Versuch, ihn zu überzeugen, ist gescheitert.

The attempt to convince him failed.

Infinitive clause as subject.

Die Ehe ist nach nur zwei Jahren gescheitert.

The marriage failed after only two years.

Temporal phrase 'nach nur zwei Jahren'.

Viele Start-ups sind bereits im ersten Jahr gescheitert.

Many startups already failed in the first year.

Plural subject 'viele Start-ups'.

Sind wir an der Bürokratie gescheitert?

Did we fail because of the bureaucracy?

Question with 'an' + dative.

Das Gesetz ist im Bundesrat gescheitert.

The law failed in the Federal Council.

Political context.

Er gilt als gescheiterter Politiker.

He is considered a failed politician.

Verb 'gelten als' (considered as).

Die Reform ist am Widerstand der Gewerkschaften gescheitert.

The reform failed due to the resistance of the unions.

Genitive 'der Gewerkschaften'.

Trotz intensiver Bemühungen ist die Mission gescheitert.

Despite intensive efforts, the mission failed.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Ein gescheitertes Projekt ist kein Weltuntergang.

A failed project is not the end of the world.

Negative 'kein' with neuter noun.

Die Suche nach dem Schatz ist endgültig gescheitert.

The search for the treasure has finally failed.

Adverb 'endgültig' (finally/definitively).

Wir sind an der mangelnden Kommunikation gescheitert.

We failed due to the lack of communication.

Adjective 'mangelnd' in dative.

Das Vorhaben ist an finanziellen Hürden gescheitert.

The project failed due to financial hurdles.

Dative plural 'Hürden'.

Die diplomatische Initiative ist auf ganzer Linie gescheitert.

The diplomatic initiative failed across the board.

Idiom 'auf ganzer Linie'.

Er reflektiert über sein gescheitertes Leben.

He reflects on his failed life.

Reflexive verb 'reflektieren über'.

Die Theorie ist an der harten Realität gescheitert.

The theory failed in the face of harsh reality.

Abstract contrast: Theory vs Reality.

Das Experiment wurde für gescheitert erklärt.

The experiment was declared a failure.

Passive voice 'wurde erklärt'.

Sie ist grandios an der Umsetzung ihrer Träume gescheitert.

She failed spectacularly in implementing her dreams.

Adverb 'grandios' used ironically.

Die Koalitionsgespräche sind an unüberbrückbaren Differenzen gescheitert.

The coalition talks failed due to irreconcilable differences.

Complex adjective 'unüberbrückbar'.

Ein gescheiterter Staat kann die Sicherheit nicht garantieren.

A failed state cannot guarantee security.

Political science term 'gescheiterter Staat'.

Wir sind kläglich an der Bürokratie dieses Landes gescheitert.

We failed miserably due to the bureaucracy of this country.

Genitive 'dieses Landes'.

Das Projekt ist an der Hybris der Beteiligten gescheitert.

The project failed due to the hubris of those involved.

Sophisticated noun 'Hybris'.

Seine Existenz ist an der Unausweichlichkeit des Schicksals gescheitert.

His existence failed due to the inevitability of fate.

Philosophical context.

Die Architektur ist an ihrem eigenen Monumentalismus gescheitert.

The architecture failed due to its own monumentalism.

Abstract critique.

Es ist das Porträt einer gescheiterten Gesellschaft.

It is the portrait of a failed society.

Genitive 'einer gescheiterten Gesellschaft'.

Der Versuch einer Synthese ist an der Komplexität der Materie gescheitert.

The attempt at a synthesis failed due to the complexity of the matter.

Academic register.

Sie ist an der Paradoxie ihrer eigenen Wünsche gescheitert.

She failed due to the paradox of her own desires.

Sophisticated noun 'Paradoxie'.

Das System ist an seiner inneren Inkohärenz gescheitert.

The system failed due to its internal incoherence.

Technical/Abstract term 'Inkohärenz'.

Jeder Versuch, das Unaussprechliche zu sagen, ist im Grunde gescheitert.

Every attempt to say the unspeakable is basically failed.

Philosophical/Literary statement.

Collocations courantes

kläglich gescheitert

endgültig gescheitert

an etwas gescheitert

gescheiterte Ehe

gescheiterte Existenz

gescheiterter Versuch

für gescheitert erklären

an der Realität gescheitert

grandios gescheitert

gescheiterter Staat

Phrases Courantes

Vorerst gescheitert

— Failed for now, but might be tried again.

Das Gesetz ist vorerst gescheitert.

Kläglich gescheitert

— Failed in a pathetic or miserable way.

Sein Witz ist kläglich gescheitert.

An sich selbst gescheitert

— Failed because of one's own flaws or mistakes.

Der Sportler ist an sich selbst gescheitert.

Am Widerstand gescheitert

— Failed because of opposition from others.

Die Reform ist am Widerstand der Bürger gescheitert.

An den Kosten gescheitert

— Failed because it was too expensive.

Der Hausbau ist an den Kosten gescheitert.

An der Zeit gescheitert

— Failed because there wasn't enough time.

Wir sind an der Zeit gescheitert.

Ein gescheitertes Schicksal

— A failed destiny or life path.

Das Buch beschreibt ein gescheitertes Schicksal.

An der Hürde gescheitert

— Failed at a specific obstacle.

Er ist an der letzten Hürde gescheitert.

Gescheiterte Träume

— Dreams that did not come true.

Die Stadt ist voll von gescheiterten Träumen.

An der Bürokratie gescheitert

— Failed due to complex rules and paperwork.

Die Firmengründung ist an der Bürokratie gescheitert.

Souvent confondu avec

gescheitert vs gescheiter

This means 'smarter' or 'more clever'. The only difference is the final 't'.

gescheitert vs durchgefallen

Specifically for exams. 'Gescheitert' is for broad goals.

gescheitert vs verpasst

Used for missing a train or an opportunity, not for failing an attempt.

Expressions idiomatiques

"An der Realität scheitern"

— When an idealistic plan meets the harsh facts of life.

Sein Weltverbesserungsplan ist an der Realität gescheitert.

Neutral

"Eine gescheiterte Existenz sein"

— To be a total failure in life (very harsh).

Nach dem Bankrott fühlte er sich als gescheiterte Existenz.

Informal/Harsh

"Kläglich scheitern"

— To fail in a way that is embarrassing or complete.

Der Versuch, das Feuer zu löschen, ist kläglich gescheitert.

Neutral

"An den eigenen Ansprüchen scheitern"

— To fail because one set the bar too high for oneself.

Viele junge Künstler scheitern an ihren eigenen Ansprüchen.

Neutral

"Grandios scheitern"

— To fail in a spectacular or large-scale way.

Das Millionenprojekt ist grandios gescheitert.

Colloquial/Ironic

"Am seidenen Faden scheitern"

— To fail by a very small margin (rare, usually 'hängen').

Die Mission ist am seidenen Faden gescheitert.

Literary

"An der Hürde scheitern"

— To fail at a specific point in a process.

Er ist an der bürokratischen Hürde gescheitert.

Neutral

"Zum Scheitern verurteilt sein"

— To be doomed to fail from the start.

Dieser Plan war von Anfang an zum Scheitern verurteilt.

Formal

"An der Tücke des Objekts scheitern"

— To fail because of the inherent difficulty of a thing.

Ich bin an der Tücke des Objekts gescheitert.

Humorous

"Am Widerstand scheitern"

— To fail because of active opposition.

Die Neuerung ist am Widerstand der Belegschaft gescheitert.

Formal

Facile à confondre

gescheitert vs durchgefallen

Both mean 'failed'.

Durchgefallen is for tests/exams only. Gescheitert is for plans/projects/life.

Ich bin durchgefallen (exam). Die Ehe ist gescheitert (marriage).

gescheitert vs missglückt

Both mean 'unsuccessful'.

Missglückt is for one-time small attempts (like a cake). Gescheitert is for major endeavors.

Der Kuchen ist missglückt. Die Firma ist gescheitert.

gescheitert vs fehlgeschlagen

Both mean 'failed'.

Fehlgeschlagen is more technical/scientific. Gescheitert is more human/emotional.

Das Experiment ist fehlgeschlagen. Die Liebe ist gescheitert.

gescheitert vs verpatzt

Both mean 'failed'.

Verpatzt is informal and implies a clumsy mistake. Gescheitert is serious.

Ich habe den Elfmeter verpatzt. Die Karriere ist gescheitert.

gescheitert vs kaputt

Both mean 'not working'.

Kaputt is for physical objects. Gescheitert is for abstract concepts.

Das Auto ist kaputt. Der Plan ist gescheitert.

Structures de phrases

Das [Noun] ist gescheitert.

Das Spiel ist gescheitert.

Ich bin an [Dative] gescheitert.

Ich bin an der Aufgabe gescheitert.

Ein/e gescheiterte/r [Noun]...

Ein gescheiterter Versuch war genug.

Die Verhandlungen sind an [Dative] gescheitert.

Die Verhandlungen sind am Geld gescheitert.

[Noun] gilt als gescheitert.

Die Reform gilt als gescheitert.

[Noun] wurde für gescheitert erklärt.

Das Projekt wurde für gescheitert erklärt.

Kläglich an [Dative] scheitern.

Er ist kläglich an der Umsetzung gescheitert.

An der [Abstract Noun] gescheitert.

An der Unausweichlichkeit gescheitert.

Famille de mots

Noms

das Scheitern (failure/the act of failing)

das Scheit (log/piece of wood - historical root)

Verbes

scheitern (to fail)

Adjectifs

gescheitert (failed)

unbescheitert (not failed - rare)

Apparenté

misslingen

fehlgeschlagen

verunglückt

bankrott

ruiniert

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in news and formal discussions; moderate in daily life.

Erreurs courantes

Ich habe gescheitert. → Ich bin gescheitert.
The verb 'scheitern' requires 'sein' because it indicates a change of state.
Ich bin in der Prüfung gescheitert. → Ich bin durch die Prüfung gefallen.
While 'gescheitert' is possible, 'durchgefallen' is the standard word for exams.
Der gescheitert Plan. → Der gescheiterte Plan.
Adjectives before a noun must have the correct ending.
Gescheitert wegen dem Wetter. → Am Wetter gescheitert.
The idiomatic preposition for 'scheitern' is 'an' + Dative.
Ich scheitere das Projekt. → Das Projekt scheitert (an mir).
'Scheitern' is intransitive; you cannot 'fail' something like an object.

Astuces

Auxiliary Verb

Always use 'sein' with 'gescheitert'. Think of it as a change of state from success to failure.

Exams

Don't use 'gescheitert' for exams unless you want to sound like a character in a tragedy. Use 'durchgefallen'.

Preposition

Master the 'an + Dative' structure. It's the most natural way to explain why something failed.

Emphasis

Use 'kläglich' or 'grandios' to add color to your description of a failure.

Finality

Use 'gescheitert' when there is no going back. If it's just a small delay, use 'verzögert'.

News

Look for this word in headlines about politics. It usually means a meeting ended with no agreement.

Fehlerkultur

Mentioning a 'gescheitertes Projekt' as a learning experience is becoming more acceptable in German business.

The final T

Make sure you pronounce the final 't' clearly, or people will think you are saying 'smarter' (gescheiter).

Adjective Endings

Remember to decline the adjective when it comes before a noun: 'ein gescheiterter Plan', 'eine gescheiterte Idee'.

Existenz

Be very careful with the phrase 'gescheiterte Existenz'. It is a very strong judgment on someone's life.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Shattered' ship. 'Gescheitert' sounds a bit like 'shattered', and that is its literal origin—a ship shattering into logs.

Association visuelle

Imagine a wooden ship hitting a rock and breaking into many small pieces of wood (logs/Scheite).

Word Web

Scheit Holz Schiffbruch Ende Pech Plan Ehe Politik

Défi

Try to use 'gescheitert' in a sentence about a historical event, like the Titanic or a failed revolution.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German word 'schiteren', which meant to split into pieces. It is related to 'Scheit' (a piece of split wood).

Sens originel : Originally, it referred to a ship that 'went to pieces' (ran aground and broke into logs/Scheite).

Germanic.

Contexte culturel

Calling someone a 'gescheiterte Existenz' is a severe insult and should be avoided in polite company.

English speakers often use 'failed' for exams, but Germans use 'durchgefallen'. Using 'gescheitert' for an exam sounds like a tragedy.

The 'Gescheiterte Revolution' of 1848 in Germany. The 'Titanic' as a classic example of a gescheitertes ship. Samuel Beckett's quote: 'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.' (Scheitere besser).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Politics

Die Verhandlungen sind gescheitert.
Ein gescheitertes Gesetz.
Am Veto gescheitert.
Für gescheitert erklärt.

Relationships

Eine gescheiterte Ehe.
Die Beziehung ist gescheitert.
An der Untreue gescheitert.
Gescheiterte Liebe.

Business

Ein gescheitertes Start-up.
Am Markt gescheitert.
Das Geschäftsmodell ist gescheitert.
Finanziell gescheitert.

Personal Goals

Ich bin an der Diät gescheitert.
Mein Plan ist gescheitert.
An den eigenen Erwartungen gescheitert.
Kläglich gescheitert.

Law

Das Verfahren ist gescheitert.
Eine gescheiterte Klage.
An Formfehlern gescheitert.
Die Ehe gilt als gescheitert.

Amorces de conversation

"Bist du jemals an einer großen Herausforderung gescheitert?"

"Warum sind die letzten politischen Verhandlungen deiner Meinung nach gescheitert?"

"Was kann man aus einem gescheiterten Projekt lernen?"

"Ist es schlimm, in der deutschen Kultur zu scheitern?"

"Kennst du einen Film über eine gescheiterte Mission?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du an etwas gescheitert bist und was du daraus gelernt hast.

Analysiere, warum viele Beziehungen heutzutage scheitern.

Beschreibe ein gescheitertes Projekt aus deiner Schulzeit oder deinem Beruf.

Was bedeutet der Begriff 'gescheiterte Existenz' für dich?

Diskutiere die Vor- und Nachteile einer positiven Fehlerkultur.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you must use 'sein'. 'Ich bin gescheitert' is correct. 'Ich habe gescheitert' is a common mistake for English speakers.

It can be. Calling someone a 'gescheiterte Existenz' is very insulting. However, using it for a project or plan is neutral and professional.

Verloren means you lost a competition or an object. Gescheitert means the entire endeavor or goal was not achieved and has collapsed.

It is grammatically possible but sounds very dramatic. Usually, you should use 'durchgefallen' for exams.

The preposition 'an' followed by the dative case is used to show the cause of failure. 'An der Aufgabe gescheitert'.

It is both. It is the past participle of the verb 'scheitern', but it is very frequently used as an adjective (e.g., 'ein gescheiterter Plan').

It means 'failed miserably' or 'failed pathetically'. It is a very common collocation.

You say 'ein gescheiterter Versuch' or 'ein missglückter Versuch'.

Yes, it is used to describe failed startups, bankruptcies, or unsuccessful marketing campaigns.

The most common opposites are 'erfolgreich' (successful), 'geglückt' (succeeded), or 'gelungen' (well-done).

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