apocalyptic
Loading your saved state.
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.
apocalyptic
Used as a strong exaggeration for a situation perceived as extremely chaotic, bad, or devastating.
Nach der Party herrschten in der Wohnung apokalyptische Zustände.
After the party, there were apocalyptic conditions in the apartment.
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.
biblical
Biblisch and apokalyptisch can both describe an exceptionally large or terrible catastrophe. Biblisch primarily emphasizes the enormous scale. Apokalyptisch additionally highlights a chaotic, devastating atmosphere or the impression of a possible end of the world.
Nach tagelangem Regen wirkte die zerstörte Stadt wie eine apokalyptische Landschaft.
After days of rain, the destroyed city looked like an apocalyptic landscape.
Nach tagelangem Regen führte das Hochwasser zu einer biblischen Überschwemmung.
After days of rain, the flooding led to a biblical deluge.
