collapse
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collapse
The sudden collapse of a structure such as a building, a bridge, or a tunnel.
Der Einsturz des alten Bergwerkstollens wurde durch starke Regenfälle verursacht.
The collapse of the old mine tunnel was caused by heavy rainfall.
'Einsturz' (collapse) is the noun form of the separable verb 'einstürzen' (to collapse). Both describe the sudden collapse of something, often inward, as the prefix 'ein-' suggests.
Die Feuerwehr warnte, dass das alte Haus bald einstürzen könnte.
The fire department warned that the old house could collapse soon.
A common and useful expression is 'etwas zum Einsturz bringen' (to cause something to collapse). It means that you actively cause something to collapse and can be used both literally and figuratively.
Die schweren Schneemassen haben das Dach zum Einsturz gebracht.
The heavy masses of snow caused the roof to collapse.
The figurative meaning can be recognized from context. If 'Einsturz' (collapse) refers to abstract things like a system, a market, a government, or a plan, the metaphorical meaning is meant.
Der Skandal führte zum Einsturz seiner politischen Karriere.
The scandal led to the collapse of his political career.
break-in / onset
'der Einbruch' and 'der Einsturz' can both have to do with something sudden and negative, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Einbruch' means either forcible entry into a building or a sharp drop, for example in numbers. 'Einsturz' means that a building, bridge, or something similar suddenly collapses. In a figurative sense, a plan or system can also collapse. The words are easy to confuse because both can occur in contexts involving buildings or crises. But: an 'Einbruch' is not the collapse of a house, and an 'Einsturz' is not a theft.
Nach dem Einsturz der alten Brücke wurde die Straße gesperrt.
After the collapse of the old bridge, the road was closed.
Die Polizei untersucht den Einbruch in die Bäckerei.
The police are investigating the break-in at the bakery.