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das Desaster
disaster
An event with catastrophic, devastating effects; a major misfortune or a complete failure.
example
Die Organisation der Konferenz war ein einziges Desaster.
The organization of the conference was an absolute disaster.
das Desaster
disaster
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word origin
The word comes from Latin 'dis-' (bad) and 'astrum' (star). A 'Desaster' (disaster) was therefore originally a misfortune caused by a bad star or unfavorable fate.
EXAMPLE
Die Reise stand von Anfang an unter einem schlechten Stern.
The trip was ill-fated from the very beginning.
Seriousness and exaggeration
'Desaster' (disaster) can describe both a real, major misfortune (e.g. a natural catastrophe) and, exaggeratingly, a total failure in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Die Party war ein Desaster, weil die Musik ausgefallen ist.
The party was a disaster because the music cut out.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'ein finanzielles/ökologisches Desaster' (a financial/ecological disaster), 'in einem Desaster enden' (to end in disaster), or the intensifying phrase 'ein einziges Desaster' (an absolute disaster).
EXAMPLE
Der Börsencrash führte für viele Anleger zu einem finanziellen Desaster.
The stock market crash led to a financial disaster for many investors.
Compare with
Desaster vs Erfolg
success
'der Erfolg' and 'das Desaster' are often strong opposites. 'Erfolg' means that a goal is achieved and the result is positive. 'Desaster', on the other hand, means a very bad result or an event with serious consequences. 'Desaster' is stronger than a simple mistake or failure. You use it when a lot really goes wrong or the consequences are major.
Desaster
Die Hochzeit im Garten wurde wegen des Sturms fast ein Desaster.
Because of the storm, the garden wedding almost turned into a disaster.
Erfolg
Die Prüfung war für Mehmet ein Erfolg, denn er hat besser abgeschnitten als erwartet.
The exam was a success for Mehmet because he did better than expected.
In real life
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