In 15 Seconds
- Complete failure or collapse.
- Physical, systemic, or personal breakdown.
- Implies suddenness and total loss of support.
- Use for major breakdowns, not minor issues.
Meaning
Imagine something sturdy just giving up the ghost. `Zusammenbrechen` means to completely fall apart, whether it's a physical structure like a bridge, a complex system like a website, or even a person losing all their energy and collapsing. It carries a sense of sudden, total failure or loss of support, often with a dramatic flair.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a cancelled event
Leider ist das Konzert `zusammengebrochen`, weil der Veranstalter pleite ist.
Unfortunately, the concert collapsed because the organizer went bankrupt.
Watching a disaster movie
Der alte Turm `zusammenbrechen` im Film war echt krass!
The old tower collapsing in the movie was really intense!
Job interview on Zoom
Ich hoffe, meine Internetverbindung bricht nicht `zusammen` während des Gesprächs.
I hope my internet connection doesn't collapse during the interview.
Cultural Background
The concept of collapse, both literal and metaphorical, has always been present in human history. `Zusammenbrechen` likely gained prominence as societies became more complex, with intricate systems (like infrastructure or economies) that could fail dramatically. Its existence reflects a cultural awareness of fragility – the understanding that even strong structures or systems can reach a breaking point, a theme common in literature and historical accounts of downfall.
Think 'Total Failure'
The core idea is a complete loss of structure or function. If it's just a minor issue, use a different word!
Don't Overdramatize!
Using `zusammenbrechen` for feeling slightly tired or a small glitch sounds like you're describing the end of the world. Stick to `müde` or `ein Problem haben` for everyday issues.
In 15 Seconds
- Complete failure or collapse.
- Physical, systemic, or personal breakdown.
- Implies suddenness and total loss of support.
- Use for major breakdowns, not minor issues.
What It Means
Zusammenbrechen is all about total collapse. Think of it as a complete breakdown. It's not just a small glitch; it's a full-on failure. This word captures the moment something stops working entirely. It can be physical, like a building falling down. Or it can be abstract, like an economy faltering. It often implies a sudden and dramatic event. It's like the final straw broke the camel's back, but much more intensely.
How To Use It
You use zusammenbrechen when something loses its structure or stability completely. It works for physical objects, systems, and even people. For a building, it means it crumbles. For a computer program, it means it crashes hard. For a person, it means they faint or become completely overwhelmed. The key is the total nature of the failure. It's the end of the line for whatever it describes.
Real-Life Examples
- A bridge on the highway suddenly
zusammenbrechen. That's a scary headline! - After hours of coding, the entire server
zusammenbrechen. Oops. - The athlete
zusammenbrechenafter crossing the finish line. Pure exhaustion. - My motivation to clean the house
zusammenbrechenwhen I saw the mess. - The stock market
zusammenbrechenduring the crisis. - The old theater
zusammenbrechendue to neglect.
When To Use It
Use zusammenbrechen for moments of absolute structural failure. When a building collapses, that's zusammenbrechen. When a complex plan fails spectacularly, you can say it zusammenbrechen. If someone faints from illness or exhaustion, they zusammenbrechen. It’s also great for systems that crash entirely. Think of a massive website outage. That's a perfect use case. It's dramatic and final.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use zusammenbrechen for minor issues. If your phone battery is low, it won't zusammenbrechen. It just needs charging. If a plan has a small hiccup, it hasn't zusammenbrechen yet. It's still salvageable. And if you're just feeling a bit tired, you haven't zusammenbrechen. You just need a nap. Save this word for complete breakdowns. It’s not for everyday tiredness or small problems. That would be like calling a drizzle a hurricane!
Common Mistakes
Learners often use zusammenbrechen for simple tiredness or minor failures. They might say 'Ich bin müde und werde zusammenbrechen' (I am tired and will collapse). This sounds overly dramatic. It's better to use müde sein (to be tired) or erschöpft sein (to be exhausted). Another mistake is using it for things that just stop working temporarily. A printer jamming isn't zusammenbrechen; it's stecken bleiben (to get stuck).
- ✗ Ich bin so müde, ich werde gleich
zusammenbrechen. → ✓ Ich bin so müde, ich brauche dringend eine Pause. - ✗ Mein Computer ist langsam, er
zusammenbrechen. → ✓ Mein Computer hat ein Problem / hängt sich auf.
Similar Expressions
Einstürzen: This is very similar, often used for buildings collapsing inwards. Think of walls falling down. It's more about the physical act of falling in.Kaputtgehen: This means 'to break' or 'to get broken'. It's more general thanzusammenbrechen. A cup cankaputtgehen, but it won'tzusammenbrechen.Ausfallen: This means 'to fail' or 'to be cancelled', often used for technical systems or appointments. A bus route canausfallen, but a person fainting is notausfallen.Scheitern: This means 'to fail', usually for plans, projects, or efforts. It's about a lack of success, not a physical collapse.
Common Variations
Zusammenbruch: This is the noun form. It means 'collapse' or 'breakdown'. 'Der Stromausfall führte zu einemZusammenbruchdes Systems.' (The power outage led to a system collapse.)Zusammengebrochen: This is the past participle. 'Das alte Haus war leiderzusammengebrochen.' (The old house had unfortunately collapsed.)Zusammenbrechend: This is the present participle. 'DaszusammenbrechendeGerüst war eine Gefahr.' (The collapsing scaffolding was a danger.)
Memory Trick
Picture a group of LEGO bricks trying to build a tower. Suddenly, they all decide to 'break together' (zusammen brechen)! They don't just fall over; they scatter everywhere in a total mess. Imagine the chaos – that's zusammenbrechen! It’s a total, chaotic disintegration.
Quick FAQ
- Can
zusammenbrechenbe used for emotions? Yes, someone's spirit or hope canzusammenbrechenunder pressure. It signifies a complete emotional breakdown. - Is it always sudden? Often, yes. The word implies a loss of support leading to a rapid collapse. But sometimes it can describe a process that reaches its final stage.
- Is it formal or informal? It's generally neutral but can lean towards formal when describing serious events like economic collapse. It's not slang, but it's not overly stuffy either. It has impact!
Usage Notes
`Zusammenbrechen` implies a significant, often sudden, failure. Use it for buildings, complex systems, or people fainting. Avoid using it for minor glitches or simple tiredness, as it sounds overly dramatic. The noun form, `Zusammenbruch`, is common in news and formal discussions.
Think 'Total Failure'
The core idea is a complete loss of structure or function. If it's just a minor issue, use a different word!
Don't Overdramatize!
Using `zusammenbrechen` for feeling slightly tired or a small glitch sounds like you're describing the end of the world. Stick to `müde` or `ein Problem haben` for everyday issues.
Echoes of History
This word often appears in historical or news contexts describing major events – think economic crises or structural failures. It carries weight because these events have real, significant consequences.
Noun Power: `Zusammenbruch`
Remember the noun form, `Zusammenbruch` (collapse/breakdown). 'Der `Zusammenbruch` des Systems war unerwartet.' It's super useful for discussing these events formally.
Examples
12Leider ist das Konzert `zusammengebrochen`, weil der Veranstalter pleite ist.
Unfortunately, the concert collapsed because the organizer went bankrupt.
Here, 'collapsed' refers to the event failing completely due to financial reasons.
Der alte Turm `zusammenbrechen` im Film war echt krass!
The old tower collapsing in the movie was really intense!
Describes the dramatic, physical destruction of the tower.
Ich hoffe, meine Internetverbindung bricht nicht `zusammen` während des Gesprächs.
I hope my internet connection doesn't collapse during the interview.
Expresses worry about a critical system failure during an important event.
Diese Woche fühlte sich an, als würde mein ganzes Leben `zusammenbrechen`.
This week felt like my whole life was collapsing.
Used metaphorically to describe feeling overwhelmed and losing control.
Unser ganzes Projekt ist wegen fehlender Finanzierung `zusammengebrochen`.
Our entire project collapsed due to a lack of funding.
Indicates the project failed completely and ceased to exist.
Ich fühle mich heute total schlapp, als würde ich gleich `zusammenbrechen`.
I feel totally weak today, like I'm going to collapse any minute.
A common, slightly dramatic way to express extreme fatigue or illness.
Die alte Brücke musste gesperrt werden, bevor sie `zusammenbrechen` konnte.
The old bridge had to be closed before it could collapse.
Focuses on the potential physical failure of a structure.
✗ Mein Handyakku ist fast leer, es wird gleich `zusammenbrechen`. → ✓ Mein Handyakku ist fast leer, es wird gleich ausgehen.
✗ My phone battery is almost empty, it will collapse soon. → ✓ My phone battery is almost empty, it will turn off soon.
`Zusammenbrechen` is too strong for a low battery; `ausgehen` (to run out/turn off) is appropriate.
✗ Die Website `zusammenbrechen` für ein paar Sekunden. → ✓ Die Website ist für ein paar Sekunden ausgefallen.
✗ The website collapsed for a few seconds. → ✓ The website failed/was unavailable for a few seconds.
A temporary glitch isn't a total collapse. `Ausfallen` (to fail/be down) is better.
Nach der Diagnose `zusammenbrechen` war schwer, aber ich kämpfe weiter.
Collapsing after the diagnosis was hard, but I keep fighting.
Refers to an emotional and mental breakdown.
Mein PC ist beim Bosskampf `zusammengebrochen`! So frustrierend!
My PC collapsed during the boss fight! So frustrating!
Describes the computer crashing completely due to the game's demands.
Ich hoffe, die App bricht nicht `zusammen`, wenn ich bestelle.
I hope the app doesn't collapse when I order.
Expresses concern about the app crashing or becoming unusable.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of `zusammenbrechen`.
The past participle `zusammengebrochen` is used with `sein` for verbs indicating a change of state or location. Here, it describes the soldier collapsing from exhaustion.
Choose the sentence that uses `zusammenbrechen` correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
The economy (`Die Wirtschaft`) can indeed collapse (`zusammenbrechen`). The second option is too informal for 'a bit collapsed'. The third sentence needs a past participle or a modal verb. The fourth sentence implies a minor issue, not a total collapse.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
`Zusammenbrechen` can mean collapse, but `einstürzen` is more specific for buildings falling down or crumbling inwards. While `zusammenbrechen` isn't strictly wrong here, `einstürzen` is often preferred for physical structures like buildings.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of `zusammenbrechen`.
This is a conditional clause (Wenn...). The present tense `zusammenbrechen` is used to express a future possibility or condition here. It refers to the servers potentially collapsing.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
There is no error in this sentence. It correctly uses the past participle `zusammengebrochen` with the auxiliary verb `sein` to describe collapsing from extreme tiredness.
Translate this sentence into German.
The phrase `zusammengebrochen` correctly describes the complete failure of the system. The auxiliary verb `ist` is used with `sein` for verbs indicating a change of state.
Choose the sentence that uses `zusammenbrechen` most appropriately.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Self-confidence (`Selbstvertrauen`) can metaphorically collapse under pressure. A cup (`Tasse`) breaks (`zerbricht`), it doesn't collapse. Telling someone 'you will collapse' if they don't eat is overly dramatic and potentially alarming. A computer usually `stürzt ab` (crashes) or `hängt sich auf` (freezes), not `zusammenbrechen` daily.
Fill in the blank with the most fitting form of `zusammenbrechen`.
Negotiations (`Verhandlungen`) can fail completely, metaphorically 'collapsing'. `Einstürzen` is for physical structures. `Kaputtgehen` is too general. `Scheitern` (to fail) is also possible, but `zusammenbrechen` emphasizes the dramatic breakdown of the process.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While one might collapse *after* crying, the act of bursting into tears is described with `ausbrechen` (to break out). `Zusammenbrechen` implies a physical or systemic collapse, not an emotional outburst like crying.
Translate this sentence into German.
The phrase `brach zusammen` (past tense of `zusammenbrechen`) is used metaphorically here to describe the complete failure and invalidation of the alibi when examined closely.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
The sentence structure is Subject (Das alte Haus) + Auxiliary Verb (ist) + Past Participle (zusammengebrochen). This correctly describes the collapse of the old house.
Match the German phrase with its correct meaning in this context.
These examples show `zusammenbrechen` used for system failure, physical collapse due to exhaustion, and the metaphorical shattering of hopes.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of `zusammenbrechen`
Rarely used here, might sound overly dramatic for casual chats unless exaggerating.
Ich bin so müde, ich werde gleich `zusammenbrechen`! (Exaggerated)
Common for describing system crashes, personal exhaustion, or metaphorical failures.
Mein Laptop ist wieder `zusammengebrochen`.
Used for serious events like economic collapse, structural failure, or societal breakdown.
Die Wirtschaft drohte `zusammenzubrechen`.
Less common, typically replaced by more specific terms in highly technical or legal contexts.
Der Damm `brach` `zusammen`.
Where You'll Hear `zusammenbrechen`
News Report
Die alte Fabrik `brach` `zusammen`.
Technical Support
Der Server ist `zusammengebrochen`.
Sports Commentary
Der Athlet `brach` `zusammen`.
Personal Story
Meine Motivation `brach` `zusammen`.
Movie Scene
Das Gebäude `brach` dramatisch `zusammen`.
Economic Discussion
Der Markt drohte `zusammenzubrechen`.
Comparing `zusammenbrechen` with Similar Words
Usage Categories for `zusammenbrechen`
Physical Collapse
- • Bridge
- • Building
- • Dam
- • Scaffolding
Systemic Failure
- • Computer
- • Server
- • Website
- • Network
Personal Breakdown
- • Athlete
- • Person (fainting)
- • Spirit
- • Hope
Abstract Collapse
- • Economy
- • Market
- • Plan
- • Argument
Practice Bank
12 exercisesNach dem langen Marsch `___` der Soldat erschöpft `___`.
The past participle `zusammengebrochen` is used with `sein` for verbs indicating a change of state or location. Here, it describes the soldier collapsing from exhaustion.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
The economy (`Die Wirtschaft`) can indeed collapse (`zusammenbrechen`). The second option is too informal for 'a bit collapsed'. The third sentence needs a past participle or a modal verb. The fourth sentence implies a minor issue, not a total collapse.
Find and fix the mistake:
Das alte Gebäude wird bald `zusammenbrechen`, wenn niemand etwas tut.
`Zusammenbrechen` can mean collapse, but `einstürzen` is more specific for buildings falling down or crumbling inwards. While `zusammenbrechen` isn't strictly wrong here, `einstürzen` is often preferred for physical structures like buildings.
Wenn die Server `___`, können wir nicht mehr arbeiten.
This is a conditional clause (Wenn...). The present tense `zusammenbrechen` is used to express a future possibility or condition here. It refers to the servers potentially collapsing.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich war so müde, dass ich fast auf der Stelle `zusammengebrochen` bin.
There is no error in this sentence. It correctly uses the past participle `zusammengebrochen` with the auxiliary verb `sein` to describe collapsing from extreme tiredness.
The entire system collapsed after the attack.
Hints: Use the past participle with 'sein'., Think about 'entire' and 'attack'.
The phrase `zusammengebrochen` correctly describes the complete failure of the system. The auxiliary verb `ist` is used with `sein` for verbs indicating a change of state.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Self-confidence (`Selbstvertrauen`) can metaphorically collapse under pressure. A cup (`Tasse`) breaks (`zerbricht`), it doesn't collapse. Telling someone 'you will collapse' if they don't eat is overly dramatic and potentially alarming. A computer usually `stürzt ab` (crashes) or `hängt sich auf` (freezes), not `zusammenbrechen` daily.
Die Verhandlungen drohten zu `___`, aber ein Kompromiss wurde gefunden.
Negotiations (`Verhandlungen`) can fail completely, metaphorically 'collapsing'. `Einstürzen` is for physical structures. `Kaputtgehen` is too general. `Scheitern` (to fail) is also possible, but `zusammenbrechen` emphasizes the dramatic breakdown of the process.
Find and fix the mistake:
Nachdem die Nachricht kam, ist sie in Tränen `zusammengebrochen`.
While one might collapse *after* crying, the act of bursting into tears is described with `ausbrechen` (to break out). `Zusammenbrechen` implies a physical or systemic collapse, not an emotional outburst like crying.
His carefully constructed alibi collapsed under scrutiny.
Hints: Think about past tense., 'Scrutiny' can be translated as 'Untersuchung' or 'Prüfung'.
The phrase `brach zusammen` (past tense of `zusammenbrechen`) is used metaphorically here to describe the complete failure and invalidation of the alibi when examined closely.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The sentence structure is Subject (Das alte Haus) + Auxiliary Verb (ist) + Past Participle (zusammengebrochen). This correctly describes the collapse of the old house.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These examples show `zusammenbrechen` used for system failure, physical collapse due to exhaustion, and the metaphorical shattering of hopes.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsZusammenbrechen implies a total structural failure, a complete loss of integrity, often sudden. Kaputtgehen is more general, meaning 'to break' or 'to stop working', and can apply to smaller items or less dramatic failures. A cup geht kaputt, but a building bricht zusammen.
Yes, absolutely! It's often used when someone faints from illness, exhaustion, or extreme emotional distress. It vividly describes them losing all strength and collapsing. For example, 'Er brach vor Erschöpfung zusammen.'
It often implies suddenness, like a structure giving way unexpectedly. However, it can also describe a process reaching its final, complete failure point. For example, an economy might show signs of weakness before it finally zusammenbricht.
Think big failures: buildings collapsing, systems crashing entirely, economies faltering, or people fainting dramatically. It's for moments where something loses its fundamental support or structure completely.
Yes, you can say a computer or software ist zusammengebrochen if it crashed completely and stopped functioning entirely, requiring a restart. However, for simpler issues like freezing, hängen bleiben (to freeze) or abstürzen (to crash) might be more common.
It's quite versatile and generally considered neutral. You can use it in everyday conversation, news reports, or even slightly more formal contexts when discussing significant failures. It's not slang, but it's impactful enough for dramatic descriptions.
Einstürzen specifically refers to buildings or structures collapsing inwards or falling down. Zusammenbrechen is broader and can apply to people, systems, economies, etc., not just physical structures. If a building collapses, both could technically apply, but einstürzen is more precise for the physical act.
For very informal situations, especially with friends, you might use exaggerations or related slang, but zusammenbrechen itself isn't considered slang. Sometimes people might say something 'ging den Bach runter' (went down the drain) for plans or businesses failing.
Zusammenbruch is the noun form, meaning 'collapse' or 'breakdown'. You'd use it to refer to the event itself, like 'Der Zusammenbruch des Netzwerks dauerte Stunden' (The collapse of the network lasted hours).
Yes, zusammenbrechen is frequently used metaphorically for abstract concepts like hope, courage, or spirit. When someone loses all hope under severe pressure, you can say their hope brach zusammen.
A very common mistake is using it for minor inconveniences or normal tiredness. Saying 'Ich bin müde und werde zusammenbrechen' is overly dramatic. Also, confusing it with ausfallen for temporary technical glitches is frequent.
You would typically say 'Der Plan ist zusammengebrochen' or 'Der Plan scheiterte'. Zusammengebrochen implies a complete failure, perhaps due to internal issues or external pressure, while scheiterte (failed) is a more general term for not succeeding.
Yes, the literal meaning of zusammen (together) and brechen (to break) is 'to break together'. This hints at the idea of multiple parts giving way simultaneously or a unified structure failing.
If something just stops working, like a device, kaputtgehen (to break) or nicht mehr funktionieren (to no longer function) are better choices. Zusammenbrechen implies a more catastrophic failure.
Yes, metaphorically. If an argument or discussion completely falls apart due to lack of logic or evidence, you could say it brach zusammen. It signifies the complete failure of the reasoning.
The simple past is brach zusammen (e.g., 'Er brach zusammen'). The present perfect uses the past participle: ist zusammengebrochen (e.g., 'Das Haus ist zusammengebrochen'). Both indicate a completed action of collapsing.
Germans use zusammenbrechen naturally for significant events. They understand its weight and reserve it for actual collapses or major breakdowns, avoiding overuse for trivial matters to maintain its impact.
Definitely! Gamers often use it when their game crashes completely (Das Spiel ist zusammengebrochen!) or when their character collapses in-game due to damage or exhaustion. It fits the dramatic nature of gaming.
Related Phrases
einstürzen
formal versionTo collapse (specifically buildings/structures)
While `zusammenbrechen` can describe buildings collapsing, `einstürzen` is a more specific and often preferred term for physical structures falling down.
kaputtgehen
related topicTo break, to get broken, to stop working
This is a more general term for something ceasing to function, unlike the total collapse implied by `zusammenbrechen`.
ausfallen
related topicTo fail, to be cancelled, to be out of order
Used for temporary failures of services, systems, or scheduled events, rather than a permanent, catastrophic breakdown.
scheitern
related topicTo fail (plans, projects, efforts)
Focuses on the lack of success in achieving a goal, rather than a physical or systemic collapse.
zusammenbrechen (noun: Zusammenbruch)
formal versionCollapse, breakdown
The noun form `Zusammenbruch` is often used in more formal or technical contexts to refer to the event of collapsing.
umfallen
antonymTo fall over
This describes a simple fall, often due to being pushed or losing balance, not a complete structural or systemic failure like `zusammenbrechen`.
