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.
downfall / crash
A sudden, sharp decline or collapse, for example in performance, social standing, or on the stock market.
Nach dem Skandal folgte der schnelle politische Absturz des Ministers.
After the scandal came the minister's rapid political downfall.
fall
The falling of a person from a great height, for example from a mountain or a building.
Der Bergsteiger überlebte den Absturz in die Felsspalte nur knapp.
The mountaineer only just survived the fall into the crevice.
drunken crash
(Colloquial) A state of severe drunkenness, often associated with loss of control and feeling unwell afterward.
Nach der dritten Flasche Wein war der Absturz auf der Party unvermeidlich.
After the third bottle of wine, a drunken crash at the party was inevitable.
'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.
break-in / onset
Einbruch and Absturz can both express a sharp decline in figures or performance. Absturz usually refers to the more extreme, often collapse-like fall, while Einbruch can also mean a limited but significant decline. Use Einbruch for a sharp deterioration and Absturz when the development seems particularly dramatic.
Der Absturz der Mannschaftsleistung in der zweiten Hälfte war dramatisch.
The collapse in the team's performance in the second half was dramatic.
Der Einbruch der Mannschaftsleistung in der zweiten Hälfte war deutlich.
The drop in the team's performance in the second half was noticeable.
