state of emergency
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state of emergency
A condition declared by the government during a serious crisis (e.g., natural disaster, coup), in which basic rights may be restricted and special powers may be granted.
Wegen der schweren Überschwemmungen wurde in der Region der Ausnahmezustand ausgerufen.
Because of the severe flooding, a state of emergency was declared in the region.
The word consists of 'die Ausnahme' (exception) and 'der Zustand' (state/condition). So it literally describes a state that is an exception to the normal situation.
Nach dem Stromausfall herrschte in der ganzen Stadt ein Ausnahmezustand.
After the power outage, the whole city was in a state of emergency.
In a political or legal context, 'der Ausnahmezustand' (state of emergency) is 'ausgerufen' (declared), 'verhängt' (imposed), or later 'aufgehoben' (lifted) by a government.
Die Regierung hat nach dem Erdbeben den nationalen Ausnahmezustand verhängt.
The government imposed a national state of emergency after the earthquake.
In the figurative meaning of chaos, the expressions 'es herrscht Ausnahmezustand' (there is a state of emergency/chaos) or 'im Ausnahmezustand sein' (to be in a state of emergency/chaos) are often used.
Vor Weihnachten herrscht in den Geschäften immer der totale Ausnahmezustand.
Before Christmas, the stores are always in a total state of chaos.
chaos
'das Chaos' and 'der Ausnahmezustand' can both describe a situation in which everything is in disarray. 'Chaos' fits generally when order is missing or many things are unclear. 'Ausnahmezustand' sounds stronger and means a special, non-normal situation, often with great excitement or a crisis. The word can also have an official-political meaning when a government imposes special rules. In everyday language, people say 'Ausnahmezustand' when a situation is so extreme that it no longer seems normal.
Nach dem starken Sturm war die kleine Stadt im Ausnahmezustand.
After the severe storm, the small town was in a state of emergency.
In der Küche entstand Chaos, weil alle gleichzeitig kochen wollten.
Chaos broke out in the kitchen because everyone wanted to cook at the same time.