das Chaos
chaos
A state of complete disorder, mess, or confusion.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Party herrschte in der Wohnung das totale Chaos.
After the party, there was total chaos in the apartment.
das Chaos
chaos
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Meanings
das Chaos
chaos
In Greek mythology, the original state of the world before the emergence of the gods and order; a formless, yawning abyss.
EXAMPLE
Nach Hesiod entstand am Anfang der Welt aus dem Chaos die Erde.
According to Hesiod, at the beginning of the world, the earth emerged from chaos.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective for 'Chaos' (chaos) is 'chaotisch' (chaotic). It describes a person, situation, or place that is disorderly and unorganized.
EXAMPLE
Sein Schreibtisch ist immer total chaotisch.
His desk is always totally chaotic.
Use in the singular
The word 'Chaos' (chaos) is used almost exclusively in the singular because it describes an uncountable state. A plural form is unusual.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm herrschte auf den Straßen ein einziges Chaos.
After the storm, the streets were nothing but chaos.
Typical collocations
'Chaos' (chaos) is often combined with intensifying adjectives such as 'total' (total), 'rein' (pure), or 'pur' (pure). Common verbs are 'herrschen' (to prevail/reign) or 'ausbrechen' (to break out).
EXAMPLE
Als der Strom ausfiel, brach im Bahnhof das totale Chaos aus.
When the power went out, total chaos broke out in the train station.
Technical context
The meaning of the 'Ur-Zustand' (primordial state) is used almost only in technical or literary texts, usually in the context of Greek mythology or philosophy.
EXAMPLE
In der antiken Kosmogonie entsteht die Ordnung aus dem Chaos.
In ancient cosmogony, order emerges from chaos.
Compare with
Chaos vs Zoo
zoo
Chaos directly and more neutrally describes a completely disorganized or confusing situation. Zoo is a colloquial, derogatory term for this and additionally emphasizes the impression of noise and commotion. Use Chaos in general and Zoo only as a clearly informal judgment.
Chaos
Nach dem Umzug herrscht in der neuen Wohnung noch völliges Chaos.
After the move, the new apartment is still in complete chaos.
Zoo
Nach dem Umzug ist die Wohnung ein echter Zoo, weil überall Kisten stehen und alle durcheinanderlaufen.
After the move, the apartment is a real zoo because there are boxes everywhere and everyone is running around in confusion.
In real life
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