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.
state of chaos
A situation of great confusion, extreme excitement, or disorder in a figurative sense.
Als die Tickets für das Konzert online gingen, herrschte auf der Webseite der totale Ausnahmezustand.
When the tickets for the concert went online, the website was in a total state of chaos.
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.
state of emergency / emergency
Both words refer to a serious crisis in which a government may be granted special powers. “Ausnahmezustand” emphasizes the special condition imposed by the government. “Notstand” focuses more strongly on the serious dangerous situation itself. Use “Ausnahmezustand” for the measure and “Notstand” for the emergency situation.
Wegen der schweren Unruhen verhängte die Regierung den Ausnahmezustand.
Because of the serious unrest, the government declared a state of emergency.
Wegen der schweren Unruhen geriet die Region in einen Notstand.
Because of the serious unrest, the region fell into a state of emergency.
