German word

marode

Pronunciation

IPA/maˈʁoːdə/

Meaning

  • adjectiverun-down

Example

Das Gebäude ist marode und muss renoviert werden.

The building is run-down and needs to be renovated.

Illustration for marode (run-down)

More examples

Die marode Infrastruktur verursacht häufig Störungen im Nahverkehr.

The run-down infrastructure frequently causes disruptions in local public transport.

Core concept

A whole public system keeps functioning only through patches, delays, and improvised fixes.

Common phrases

  • marode Infrastruktur

    run-down infrastructure

  • marode Straße

    run-down road

Similar words

baufällig: Damaged in its supporting structure, with a risk of collapse or injury.
abbruchreif: Beyond sensible repair and best replaced by a new structure.
verfallen: Severely neglected, decaying, and close to becoming unusable.
heruntergekommen: Run-down from lack of care or renovation, both in looks and function.

Definition in German

marode bezeichnet vor allem Bauwerke, Straßen oder Institutionen, die infolge von Mängeln oder Alter ihre Funktion verloren haben und oft umfassende Reparaturen brauchen.

Word origin

German marode is a French loanword related to maraud, a term for a marauder or rogue, whose meaning developed toward something worn down and neglected.

Usage tips

  • For a person, marode can mean physically exhausted, but its most characteristic German uses concern buildings, roads, systems, and institutions.

Other meanings

  • worn-outadjective
  • exhaustedadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word