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
das Erdbeben
earthquake
A sudden, profound, and shocking event that causes major changes or unrest.
EXAMPLE
Der Rücktritt des Präsidenten löste ein politisches Erdbeben aus.
The president's resignation triggered a political earthquake.
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 beben
to tremble / quake
Erdbeben refers to the specific natural event in which the Earth's surface moves strongly. The verb „beben“ describes the trembling movement itself and can also refer to the ground during another kind of shock. Use „Erdbeben“ for the event and „beben“ for the movement.
Erdbeben
Das Erdbeben in der Nacht ließ die Häuser lange schwanken.
The earthquake during the night made the houses sway for a long time.
beben
Nach dem lauten Knall begann der Boden unter unseren Füßen zu beben.
After the loud bang, the ground began to tremble beneath our feet.
In real life
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