ertrinken

You will mostly use it with the preposition in. For example, in Arbeit ertrinken means drowning in work. It follows standard weak verb conjugation. Use it when you want to sound dramatic but relatable. It works perfectly for those 'Monday morning' vibes. Just remember to specify what you are drowning in. Otherwise, people might actually call for a lifeguard.

Use it when the situation feels inescapable. It is great for complaining to colleagues about a full inbox. Use it when describing a messy room or a mountain of laundry. It also works for positive things that are just too much. You can be in Komplimenten ertrinken (drowning in compliments). It adds a nice touch of flair to your storytelling. It makes your struggle feel more visual and intense.

Avoid using it for minor inconveniences. If you have just two emails, you aren't ertrinken. Don't use it in very clinical or medical reports unless it is literal. Be careful using it around people who have had water-related trauma. It is a strong word, so don't waste it on small stuff. Also, don't confuse it with trinken (to drink). That would be a very different, much more fun afternoon.

Germans value efficiency and order very highly. When things get chaotic, it feels like a natural disaster. The word ertrinken reflects this loss of order. It has been used in German literature for centuries to show helplessness. Today, it is the unofficial anthem of the overworked 'Büromensch' (office person). It shows that even the most organized person can be defeated by chaos.

You will often hear untergehen (to go under) as a synonym. Another common one is absaufen, which is much more informal. Absaufen is what you say to your best friend when your car breaks down. Ertrinken is slightly more poetic and standard. You might also hear im Chaos versinken (to sink in chaos). Stick to ertrinken for that classic, dramatic 'help me' feeling.