German Conversation · Level 74
60 words
German word
Zerstörung
Pronunciation
IPA/tsɛɐ̯ˈʃtøːʁʊŋ/
Meaning
- feminine noundestruction
Example
Die Zerstörung des Hauses war schrecklich.
The destruction of the house was terrible.
More examples
Die massive Zerstörung der Infrastruktur erschwerte den Wiederaufbau.
The massive destruction of the infrastructure made reconstruction difficult.
Core concept
A once-working object or place left broken beyond normal use, whether through damage or complete ruin.
Common phrases
massive Zerstörung
massive destruction
vollständige Zerstörung
complete destruction
Similar words
Schaden: Harm or disadvantage caused to a person, object, or situation.
Ruine: The remains of a building or structure that can no longer be used.
Trümmer: Scattered broken fragments left as rubble after something collapses.
Vernichtung: The total elimination of a thing or living presence.
Definition in German
Zerstörung bezeichnet das vollständige Vernichten oder starke Beschädigen von etwas, so dass Form, Funktion oder Existenz verloren geht.
Word origin
Zerstörung combines zerstören with the productive suffix -ung, marking the process or result of destroying; zerstören is historically related to Latin destruere.
Usage tips
- The noun commonly takes a genitive or von phrase for what is destroyed, while the verb zerstören takes a direct accusative object.