01
der Crash
crash
A serious accident, especially involving vehicles, that often causes significant damage.
example
Auf der A5 gab es einen schweren Crash mit mehreren Lastwagen.
There was a serious crash involving several trucks on the A5.
der Crash
crash
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Meanings
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Usage tips
English loanword
'Crash' is a word borrowed directly from English. In German, it is used for various kinds of sudden, violent events.
EXAMPLE
Der laute Crash ließ alle aufschrecken.
The loud crash startled everyone.
Common compounds
In the meanings 'stock market collapse' and 'computer failure', 'Crash' is very often used as the second part of a compound noun. This immediately makes the meaning more precise.
EXAMPLE
Der Börsen-Crash von 1929 hatte globale Auswirkungen.
The stock market crash of 1929 had global effects.
Context: accident
When 'Crash' describes an accident, you will typically find words in the context that have to do with traffic, such as 'Auto' (car), 'Lastwagen' (truck), 'Autobahn' (highway), or 'Kreuzung' (intersection).
EXAMPLE
Zum Glück wurde bei dem Crash auf der Kreuzung niemand verletzt.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash at the intersection.
Context: sound
In this meaning, 'Crash' describes only the loud sound of something breaking or colliding. It is often combined with adjectives like 'laut' (loud).
EXAMPLE
Wir hörten einen lauten Crash und sahen, dass eine Vase auf dem Boden lag.
We heard a loud crash and saw that a vase was lying on the floor.
Compare with
Crash vs Unfall
accident
'Unfall' and 'Crash' can both mean a sudden event involving damage, especially with vehicles. 'Unfall' is the neutral and general word. It fits in almost all situations and also in official reports. 'Crash' sounds stronger, more modern, and often more dramatic. It usually means a violent collision, especially with cars or other vehicles. Learners may confuse the words because both can fit traffic situations. If you want to speak neutrally, use 'Unfall'; if you want to emphasize a serious, crashing collision, 'Crash' fits.
Crash
Bei dem Crash auf der Autobahn wurden zwei Autos stark beschädigt.
Two cars were badly damaged in the crash on the highway.
Unfall
Im Zug erzählt Paul, dass er auf dem Weg zum Bahnhof einen Unfall gesehen hat.
On the train, Paul says that he saw an accident on the way to the station.
In real life
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