German Conversation · Level 71
60 words
German word
Vernichtung
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈnɪçtʊŋ/
Meaning
- feminine noundestruction
Example
Der Krieg führte zu Vernichtungen ganzer Regionen.
The war led to the destruction of entire regions.
More examples
Die Vernichtung ganzer Bestände führte zum ökologischen Kollaps.
The destruction of entire populations led to ecological collapse.
Core concept
A region, community, or species erased so completely that no recognizable trace remains.
Common phrases
vollständige Vernichtung
complete destruction
flächendeckende Vernichtung
widespread destruction
plötzliche Vernichtung
sudden destruction
Similar words
Zerstörung: Damage to objects or buildings that prevents their normal use.
Auslöschung: Total erasure of all visible or identifiable traces of a person, group, or thing.
Ausrottung: The eradication of a species or population from existence.
Schaden: Harm confined to part of something, reducing its usefulness or value.
Definition in German
Ein Zustand totaler Zerstörung oder Auslöschung, oft bezogen auf Räume, Gruppen oder Arten.
Word origin
Vernichtung is formed from the verb vernichten, meaning to destroy completely, with the noun-forming suffix -ung.
Usage tips
- Vernichtung sounds highly severe and formal, while Zerstörung is usually more suitable for ordinary physical damage.
Other meanings
- annihilationnoun
- extinctionnoun
Related words
- vernichtendestroyverb
- vernichtenddevastatingadjective
- Vernichtungswaffeweapon of destructionnoun