German word

erschöpfen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈʃœpfən/

Meaning

  • verbexhaust oneself

Example

Nach dem Marathon hat sie sich völlig erschöpft.

After the marathon, she was completely exhausted.

Illustration for erschöpfen (exhaust oneself)

More examples

Die ständige Überarbeitung hat seine Kräfte erschöpft.

The constant overwork has exhausted his strength.

Core concept

Something is used up down to its last remaining portion, and a person reaches the same empty state in body or mind.

Common phrases

  • sich erschöpfen

    exhaust oneself

  • Ressourcen erschöpfen

    exhaust resources

  • Geduld erschöpfen

    exhaust patience

Similar words

ermüden: Grow tired as prolonged activity gradually reduces strength.
überanstrengen: Strain the body or mind by exerting more effort than it can handle.
auspowern: Expend all physical energy through vigorous exercise or effort.
aufbrauchen: Consume a resource or energy supply completely, leaving nothing.

Definition in German

Transitiv etwas vollständig aufbrauchen; reflexiv (sich erschöpfen) starke körperliche oder geistige Erschöpfung erleben.

Word origin

"Erschöpfen" is formed from "schöpfen" meaning to scoop or draw and the completive prefix "er-", giving the sense of drawing something out completely.

Usage tips

  • "Erschöpft" signals severe depletion, whereas "müde" usually describes ordinary tiredness, so the two words are not interchangeable in intensity.

Other meanings

  • exhaustverb
  • use upverb

Opposites

  • sich erholenrecoververb
  • auftankenrefuelverb

Related words

  • Erschöpfungexhaustionnoun
  • erschöpftexhaustedadjective
  • erschöpfendexhaustiveadjective

Word lists with this word