apocalypse
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apocalypse
The end of the world or a catastrophe of catastrophic, all-destroying proportions.
Filme über eine Zombie-Apokalypse sind bei vielen Zuschauern beliebt.
Films about a zombie apocalypse are popular with many viewers.
The adjective 'apokalyptisch' (apocalyptic) is derived from this noun. It is used to describe conditions or events that seem extremely catastrophic and destructive.
Nach dem Sturm bot sich den Bewohnern ein apokalyptisches Bild der Zerstörung.
After the storm, the residents were faced with an apocalyptic scene of destruction.
In the general meaning, 'Apokalypse' (apocalypse) is often combined with a noun that describes the cause of the catastrophe. Common examples are 'Zombie-Apokalypse' (zombie apocalypse), 'nukleare Apokalypse' (nuclear apocalypse), or 'Klima-Apokalypse' (climate apocalypse).
Viele Videospiele simulieren das Überleben nach einer nuklearen Apokalypse.
Many video games simulate survival after a nuclear apocalypse.
The word is often used in pop culture to describe dramatic scenarios in films, books, and games. It has a very strong, vivid effect.
Der neue Blockbuster handelt von einer drohenden Apokalypse durch einen Asteroiden.
The new blockbuster is about an impending apocalypse caused by an asteroid.
You can usually recognize the original religious meaning from the context. If there is talk of 'der Apokalypse des Johannes' (the Apocalypse of John) or the 'Neuen Testament' (New Testament), it means the biblical book. Without this context, it almost always means the end of the world.
Im Religionsunterricht haben wir einen Auszug aus der Apokalypse gelesen.
In religious studies class, we read an excerpt from the Book of Revelation.
catastrophe
'die Katastrophe' and 'die Apokalypse' can both refer to a very great disaster. 'Katastrophe' is the normal word for a serious event with terrible consequences, for example a flood or a major accident. 'Apokalypse' is much stronger and means the end of the world or a catastrophe that destroys almost everything. Learners may confuse the words because both sound very dramatic. In most real-life situations, 'Katastrophe' is appropriate. 'Apokalypse' is used only for an extreme scale or for deliberate exaggeration.
In dem Film überleben nur wenige Menschen die Apokalypse.
In the film, only a few people survive the apocalypse.
Das Erdbeben war eine Katastrophe für die ganze Region.
The earthquake was a catastrophe for the whole region.