debacle
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debacle
A complete failure, a catastrophic defeat, or a fiasco. The result is often embarrassing or has far-reaching negative consequences.
Das Länderspiel endete für die Heimmannschaft in einem finanziellen und sportlichen Debakel.
The international match ended in a financial and sporting debacle for the home team.
'Debakel' (debacle) is a strong, expressive word. It is often used in the press and in reports to describe a catastrophic defeat or a major failure, especially in sports, politics, or business.
Die Wahl endete für die Partei in einem historischen Debakel.
The election ended in a historic debacle for the party.
Common combinations are 'in einem Debakel enden' (to end in a debacle) or 'ein Debakel erleben' (to experience a debacle). It is often specified more precisely with adjectives such as 'finanziell' (financial), 'politisch' (political), or 'sportlich' (sporting).
Das Projekt endete in einem finanziellen Debakel.
The project ended in a financial debacle.
The word comes from the French 'débâcle', which originally described the breaking up of ice on a river. This figurative origin explains the association with a sudden, complete collapse.
Nach dem Debakel trat der gesamte Vorstand zurück.
After the debacle, the entire board resigned.
defeat
Niederlage is the neutral term for any game or duel that was lost. Debakel fits only when the defeat is exceptionally severe, embarrassing, or consequential. A narrowly lost game is therefore a Niederlage, while a catastrophic result can be called a Debakel.
Das peinliche 0:8 im Finale war für die Mannschaft ein Debakel.
The embarrassing 8–0 loss in the final was a debacle for the team.
Das knappe 2:3 im Finale war für die Mannschaft eine Niederlage.
The narrow 3–2 loss in the final was a defeat for the team.
