German Conversation · Level 115
45 words
German word
Untergang
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʊntɐˌgaŋ/
Meaning
- masculine noundestruction
Example
Viele fürchteten den Untergang des Reiches.
Many feared the destruction of the empire.
More examples
Die Stadt stand vor dem Untergang.
The city stood on the brink of destruction.
Core concept
A once-mighty world sinks out of existence, joining physical sinking with the historical collapse of a state, culture, or era.
Common phrases
vor dem Untergang stehen
be on the brink of destruction
als Untergang schildern
portray as destruction
den Untergang abwenden
avert destruction
Similar words
Ende: The point when a period or event comes to an end.
Niedergang: A slow decline in power, prosperity, or economic strength.
Zusammenbruch: A sudden collapse that leaves a system or economy unable to function.
Verfall: A gradual state of decay caused by neglect, age, or deterioration.
Definition in German
Das vollständige Ende oder Versinken von etwas, besonders von Staaten, Kulturen oder Schiffen.
Word origin
Untergang is built from the inherited German elements unter and Gang, with Gang referring to movement or passage and the whole compound meaning a going down.
Usage tips
- For a ship, Untergang commonly means sinking, but for a state or culture it usually suggests a total historical collapse rather than a temporary setback.
Other meanings
- downfallnoun
- sinkingnoun
- endnoun
Opposites
- Rettungsalvationnoun
- Aufschwungupswingnoun
Related words
- Untergangsstimmungdoom-laden atmospherenoun
- Untergangsfilmapocalyptic filmnoun