German word

platzen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈplatsn̩/

Meaning

  • verbpop

Example

Die Seifenblase platzt sofort.

The soap bubble pops immediately.

Illustration for platzen (pop)

More examples

Wegen des Regens platzte der Termin.

Because of the rain, the appointment was canceled.

Core concept

A sealed pocket of pressure breaks open at once, while a plan can burst apart just as suddenly.

Common phrases

  • der Termin platzt

    The appointment is canceled

  • ein Luftballon platzt

    a balloon pops

  • vor Lachen platzen

    be bursting with laughter

Similar words

zerplatzen: Burst explosively and scatter into small fragments.
aufplatzen: Tear open so that a broad opening appears.
explodieren: Blow apart through rapid pressure changes or burning.
scheitern: End without succeeding as planned or expected.

Definition in German

durch inneren Druck plötzlich zerbrechen oder aufgehen; übertragen: Pläne oder Verabredungen scheitern unerwartet

Word origin

The verb developed from the imitative form platsen, whose sound-related origin fits the sudden event expressed by platzen.

Usage tips

  • For plans, deals, and appointments, platzen means that they fall through or are called off, not that someone physically pops them.

Other meanings

  • be canceledverb

Opposites

Related words

  • zerplatzenburst into piecesverb
  • aufplatzensplit openverb

Word lists with this word