01
defekt
defective
No longer functioning; broken. Used mainly for technical devices and machines.
example
Die Kaffeemaschine ist defekt, sie heizt das Wasser nicht mehr auf.
The coffee machine is defective; it no longer heats the water.
defekt
defective
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure and usage
'Defekt' (defective) is almost always used predicatively, that is, together with the verb 'sein' (to be). The structure is: 'Etwas ist defekt.' (Something is defective.) It is only rarely used directly before a noun.
EXAMPLE
Mein Föhn ist seit gestern defekt.
My hair dryer has been defective since yesterday.
Context clue
The context clearly shows the meaning. When talking about devices, machines, or electronics, 'defekt' (defective) simply means 'kaputt' (broken). In medical or biological texts, it refers to faulty genes, cells, or organs.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufzug ist defekt, wir müssen die Treppe nehmen.
The elevator is defective; we have to take the stairs.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'kaputt' (broken), 'defekt' (defective) belongs more to formal or technical language. You often find it in instruction manuals, on repair forms, or in official damage reports.
EXAMPLE
Bitte melden Sie ein defektes Gerät sofort dem Kundenservice.
Please report a defective device to customer service immediately.
Compare with
defekt vs außer
except / besides
'außer' and 'defekt' are related in the phrase 'außer Betrieb' (out of service). Both can say that a device or facility is not working. However, 'defekt' directly describes the technical fault: the device is damaged or not working properly. 'außer Betrieb' more often says that something cannot be used at the moment; the reason may be a defect, but it does not always have to be stated. On signs, 'außer Betrieb' sounds very natural; in technical reports, 'defekt' often fits better.
defekt
Am Bahnhof ist der Fahrkartenautomat defekt.
The ticket machine at the train station is defective.
außer
Der Kopierer ist außer Betrieb, deshalb drucken wir im Nachbarbüro.
The copier is out of service, so we are printing in the office next door.
In real life
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