apocalyptic
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apocalyptic
Relating to the apocalypse; describing a catastrophic mood or situation that evokes the end of the world.
Die Waldbrände hinterließen eine apokalyptische Landschaft aus Asche und Rauch.
The forest fires left behind an apocalyptic landscape of ash and smoke.
The adjective is derived from the noun 'die Apokalypse' (the apocalypse), which originally refers to the biblical Revelation of John and the vision of the end of the world described in it. Therefore, the word has a basic meaning of downfall and catastrophe.
Der Film zeigte eine Zukunftsvision von apokalyptischem Ausmaß.
The film showed a vision of the future of apocalyptic proportions.
In its serious meaning, the word often describes impressions or situations of great destruction. Typical combinations are 'apokalyptische Szenen' (apocalyptic scenes), 'eine apokalyptische Stimmung' (an apocalyptic mood), or 'apokalyptische Reiter' (horsemen of the apocalypse).
Nach dem Vulkanausbruch bot sich den Überlebenden ein apokalyptisches Bild.
After the volcanic eruption, the survivors were faced with an apocalyptic sight.
In this meaning, 'apokalyptisch' (apocalyptic) is used colloquially as a strong exaggeration (hyperbole). It describes a situation that one perceives as extremely chaotic or bad, without there being an actual catastrophe.
Nach dem Kindergeburtstag herrschte im Wohnzimmer ein apokalyptisches Chaos.
After the children's birthday party, there was apocalyptic chaos in the living room.
In exaggerated, colloquial use, the word is often combined with nouns that describe disorder. Typical examples are 'apokalyptische Zustände' (apocalyptic conditions) or 'apokalyptische Unordnung' (apocalyptic mess).
In seiner WG herrschten oft apokalyptische Zustände in der Küche.
In his shared apartment, there were often apocalyptic conditions in the kitchen.
harmless
'harmlos' and 'apokalyptisch' differ very strongly in their effect. 'harmlos' describes something that is not dangerous and does not cause major harm. 'apokalyptisch' describes a situation or mood that seems extremely bad, chaotic, or like a catastrophe. The word can also be used exaggeratively. If a situation is calm and not dangerous, 'harmlos' fits. If everything seems devastating or very dramatic, 'apokalyptisch' fits.
Nach dem Sturm sah die Straße apokalyptisch aus.
After the storm, the street looked apocalyptic.
Wegen der milden Schmerzen bleibt der Befund heute harmlos.
Because of the mild pain, the diagnosis remains harmless today.