crash / fall
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crash
The sudden stopping of the function of a technical system. It usually refers to computer programs, networks, or airplanes.
Der Absturz des Servers legte die gesamte Webseite für Stunden lahm.
The server crash took the entire website down for hours.
'Der Absturz' (the crash/fall) is the noun for the verb 'abstürzen' (to crash/fall). The verb is made up of 'ab-' (down/off) and 'stürzen' (to fall/plunge). This basic idea of suddenly falling appears in all meanings.
Das Flugzeug ist gestern abgestürzt.
The airplane crashed yesterday.
The context reveals the meaning: 'Computer' or 'Server' point to a system error. 'Politik' (politics) or 'Börse' (stock exchange) point to a drop in performance or value. 'Berg' (mountain) or 'Flugzeug' (airplane) point to a physical fall. 'Party' or 'Alkohol' (alcohol) point to drunkenness.
Der Absturz der Aktie hat viele Anleger Geld gekostet.
The crash of the stock cost many investors money.
In technical contexts, 'Absturz' (crash) is often used in compounds to specify the type of problem. Common ones are 'Computerabsturz' (computer crash), 'Systemabsturz' (system crash), or 'Programmabsturz' (program crash).
Ein Systemabsturz führte zum Verlust der ungespeicherten Arbeit.
A system crash led to the loss of the unsaved work.
In this figurative meaning, 'Absturz' (downfall/crash) describes a rapid and deep fall in reputation, power, or value. Typical adjectives are 'politisch' (political), 'sozial' (social), or 'wirtschaftlich' (economic).
Der Skandal führte zum sozialen Absturz des berühmten Schauspielers.
The scandal led to the famous actor's social downfall.
The meaning 'starke Betrunkenheit' (severe drunkenness) is used exclusively in colloquial language. In formal contexts, you would avoid this wording.
Er hatte gestern Abend einen totalen Absturz und kann sich an nichts erinnern.
He had a total drunken crash last night and can't remember anything.
case / fall
'der Fall' and 'der Absturz' can both describe a downward movement. 'der Fall' is more general and can refer to any downward movement caused by gravity. 'der Absturz' is more specific: it usually refers to suddenly falling from a great height, for example from a mountain or a building. That is why 'Absturz' sounds more dramatic and dangerous. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with falling. As a guide: for a great height and a serious accident, 'Absturz' often fits; for the general downward movement, 'Fall' is more likely.
Nach dem Absturz am Berg riefen die Wanderer sofort Hilfe.
After the fall on the mountain, the hikers immediately called for help.
Der Fall des Steins dauerte nur wenige Sekunden.
The stone's fall lasted only a few seconds.