German word

Zerfall

Pronunciation

IPA/tsɛɐ̯ˈfal/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncollapse

Example

Nach der Wirtschaftskrise begann der Zerfall des Vertrauens.

After the economic crisis, the collapse of trust began.

Illustration for Zerfall (collapse)

More examples

Der Zerfall der Infrastruktur hatte sichtbare Folgen für die Stadt.

The collapse of the infrastructure had visible consequences for the city.

Core concept

Something once stable disintegrates until its parts or functions no longer form a working whole.

Common phrases

  • der Zerfall des Vertrauens

    collapse of trust

  • der Zerfall der Gesellschaft

    collapse of society

Similar words

Verfall: Something steadily deteriorates and gradually loses its value or usefulness.
Zusammenbruch: A structure or system abruptly fails because of pressure or mounting problems.
Auflösung: A unified group breaks up and ceases to exist as a coherent whole.
Kollaps: A structure suddenly falls when its support can no longer hold it up.

Definition in German

Zustand, in dem etwas allmählich in seine Teile zerfällt oder seine Struktur und Funktion verliert.

Word origin

Zerfall is a noun derived from inherited Germanic zerfallen, built with the separating prefix zer- and fallen, a cognate of English fall.

Usage tips

  • Verfall often emphasizes gradual deterioration or decline, while Zerfall more strongly suggests loss of cohesion, breaking apart, or complete disintegration.

Other meanings

  • declinenoun
  • decompositionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • zerfallencollapseverb
  • zerfallendcollapsingadjective
  • Zerfallserscheinungsign of collapsenoun

Word lists with this word