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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
defekt
defective
In medicine or biology: faulty, incomplete, or damaged, for example in relation to a gene or an organ.
EXAMPLE
Die Forscher untersuchen, wie das defekte Gen die Krankheit verursacht.
The researchers are studying how the defective gene causes the disease.
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 Fehler
mistake / error
A technical Fehler is a deviation or incorrect output and does not have to put the device completely out of operation. A device is defekt when its function is impaired or it no longer works. For the broken state, defekt is therefore more precise.
defekt
Das Messgerät ist defekt und lässt sich nicht mehr einschalten.
The measuring device is defective and can no longer be switched on.
Fehler
Das Messgerät zeigt einen Fehler an, liefert aber weiterhin Werte.
The measuring device displays an error but continues to provide readings.
In real life
Loading video examples...