German word

Chaos

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkaːɔs/

Meaning

  • neuter nounchaos

Example

Nach dem Umzug herrscht bei uns das Chaos.

After the move, our place is in chaos.

Illustration for Chaos (chaos)

More examples

Wenn die Kinder spielen, herrscht oft Chaos im Wohnzimmer.

When the children play, there is often chaos in the living room.

Core concept

A room after a rushed move shows objects scattered together while normal activities can no longer run smoothly.

Common phrases

  • mit dem Chaos umgehen

    deal with chaos

  • vor Chaos stehen

    face chaos

  • aus dem Chaos Struktur schaffen

    create structure out of chaos

Similar words

Durcheinander: A mixed-up state where sorting things into a clear order is difficult.
Unordnung: A lack of tidiness or proper arrangement.

Definition in German

ein meist unzählbares Nomen für einen Zustand fehlender Ordnung, in dem Dinge durcheinanderliegen oder Abläufe gestört sind.

Word origin

The German noun Chaos is a learned borrowing from Latin chaos, which derives from Ancient Greek khaos for an open void or abyss.

Usage tips

  • Chaos is neuter, written "das Chaos," and its plural "Chaose" is uncommon in ordinary use.

Other meanings

  • disordernoun

Opposites

Related words

  • chaotischchaoticadjective
  • Chaotchaotic personnoun

Word lists with this word