01
das Erdbeben
earthquake
A sudden, strong shaking of the Earth's surface caused by movements inside the Earth.
example
Das Erdbeben in der Region richtete schwere Schäden an.
The earthquake in the region caused severe damage.
das Erdbeben
earthquake
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound of 'Erde' (earth) and the verb 'beben' (to shake/tremble strongly). So it literally means that the earth is shaking or trembling.
EXAMPLE
Als die Erde zu beben anfing, rannten alle aus den Häusern.
When the earth began to shake, everyone ran out of the houses.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'Erdbeben' (earthquake) is often combined with verbs like 'sich ereignen' (to occur) or 'stattfinden' (to take place), and adjectives like 'stark' (strong), 'schwach' (weak), or 'verheerend' (devastating).
EXAMPLE
In Japan ereignen sich häufig starke Erdbeben.
Strong earthquakes occur frequently in Japan.
Context clue
You can usually recognize the figurative meaning by an adjective that describes the field of the event. Typical examples are 'ein politisches Erdbeben' (a political earthquake) or 'ein finanzielles Erdbeben' (a financial earthquake).
EXAMPLE
Die Ankündigung löste an der Börse ein finanzielles Erdbeben aus.
The announcement triggered a financial earthquake on the stock market.
Compare with
Erdbeben vs Umbruch
upheaval / layout
'das Erdbeben' and 'der Umbruch' can both describe an event or period in which a lot changes. In this relationship, 'Erdbeben' is meant figuratively: it emphasizes that something feels sudden, powerful, and shocking. 'Umbruch' more often means a phase of profound change, for example in politics, work, or personal life. 'Erdbeben' sounds more dramatic and fits when the effect is like a shock. 'Umbruch' is more neutral and fits better when you are talking about the longer process of change itself.
Erdbeben
Die Nachricht vom Rücktritt war ein politisches Erdbeben.
The news of the resignation was a political earthquake.
Umbruch
Nach der neuen Technik erlebt die Firma einen großen Umbruch.
After the new technology was introduced, the company is experiencing a major upheaval.
In real life
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