die Demontage
dismantling
The process in which a machine, system, or structure is taken apart into its individual components.
EXAMPLE
Die Demontage des alten Krans dauerte mehrere Tage.
The dismantling of the old crane took several days.
die Demontage
dismantling / takedown
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Meanings
die Demontage
takedown
In a figurative sense, the systematic destruction of the reputation, authority, or standing of a person or institution.
EXAMPLE
Die Enthüllungen der Journalisten führten zur öffentlichen Demontage des Politikers.
The journalists' revelations led to the public takedown of the politician.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Demontage' (dismantling) is the opposite of 'Montage' (assembly). The prefix 'de-' here means 'away' or 'un-'. This logic of taking apart applies both to technical devices and to a person's reputation.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Montage der neuen Küche folgte die Demontage der alten.
After the assembly of the new kitchen came the dismantling of the old one.
Word family
The noun 'die Demontage' (dismantling) describes the process or result of the action expressed by the verb 'demontieren' (to dismantle).
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker wird den Motor morgen demontieren.
The mechanic will dismantle the engine tomorrow.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If it is about physical things like machines, furniture, or industrial facilities, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about abstract things like reputation, standing, power, or a myth, the figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Demontage des Gerüsts beginnt nächste Woche.
The dismantling of the scaffolding begins next week.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'öffentlich' (public) or 'politisch' (political). For example, people speak of the 'öffentliche Demontage eines Stars' (public takedown of a star) or the 'politische Demontage eines Gegners' (political takedown of an opponent).
EXAMPLE
Die Presse betrieb die systematische Demontage des Ministers.
The press carried out the systematic takedown of the minister.
Compare with
Demontage vs Abbau
reduction / extraction / dismantling
Both Abbau and Demontage can refer to taking apart a machine or structure. Abbau is more general and can also refer simply to removing something; Demontage emphasizes the technical process of taking something apart into individual components. For a machine, Demontage is usually more precise.
Demontage
Die Demontage der Maschine erfolgte Schritt für Schritt.
The machine was dismantled step by step.
Abbau
Der Abbau der Maschine für den Umzug dauerte den ganzen Vormittag.
Dismantling the machine for the move took the whole morning.
In real life
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