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.
success
'der Erfolg' and 'das Debakel' describe opposite outcomes. 'Erfolg' means that a plan succeeds or a goal is achieved. 'Debakel' is a very strong negative expression: something fails completely, often in an embarrassing way or with serious consequences. Not every failure is automatically a debacle. 'Debakel' fits when the result is especially bad or chaotic.
Die Präsentation wurde zum Debakel, weil die Technik ausfiel und niemand vorbereitet war.
The presentation turned into a debacle because the technology failed and no one was prepared.
Nach vielen Wochen Training feierte das Team endlich einen Erfolg.
After many weeks of training, the team finally celebrated a success.