failure
das Versagen
Loading your saved state.
failure
The fact that someone fails to deliver an expected performance or fails to fulfill their task or responsibility in an important situation.
Das Versagen der Diplomaten führte zu neuen Spannungen.
The diplomats' failure led to new tensions.
failure
The stopping, malfunction, or loss of performance of a technical or physical system.
Das Versagen der Bremsen verursachte den Unfall.
The failure of the brakes caused the accident.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Versagens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Versagen | – |
| accusative | das Versagen | – |
| dative | dem Versagen | – |
| genitive | des Versagens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Versagen' (failure) is often used with a genitive phrase or with 'von' (of), indicating who or what has failed. Especially in factual texts, it is often followed directly by 'das Versagen der/des …' (the failure of …).
Das Versagen der Behörden wurde im Untersuchungsbericht scharf kritisiert.
The authorities' failure was harshly criticized in the investigation report.
Typical collocations include 'persönliches Versagen' (personal failure), 'politisches Versagen' (political failure), and 'völliges Versagen' (complete failure).
Das politische Versagen führte zu einer langen Diskussion im Parlament.
Political failure led to a lengthy discussion in Parliament.
In the sense of a malfunction, 'das Versagen' (failure) is especially often used in connection with technical or physical systems. Typical collocations include 'das Versagen der Bremsen' (brake failure), 'technisches Versagen' (technical failure), and 'Versagen des Systems' (system failure).
Das technische Versagen der Anlage legte die Produktion für mehrere Stunden lahm.
The system's technical failure brought production to a standstill for several hours.
