01
die Erosion
erosion
The natural process of the wearing away of rock and soil by water, wind, or ice.
example
Starke Regenfälle können die Erosion an steilen Hängen beschleunigen.
Heavy rainfall can accelerate erosion on steep slopes.
die Erosion
erosion
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
Words ending in '-ion' are almost always feminine in German (die). This ending comes from Latin and helps you recognize the gender of many international words.
EXAMPLE
Die Erosion der Küste ist ein ernstes Problem.
The erosion of the coast is a serious problem.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about nature, soil, or rock, the geological process is meant. If it is about abstract ideas like trust, values, or power, the figurative meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer pflanzt Bäume, um die Erosion des Bodens zu stoppen.
The farmer plants trees to stop soil erosion.
Typical combinations
In a geological context, 'Erosion' (erosion) is often connected with the cause. Typical phrases are 'Erosion durch Wasser' (erosion by water), 'Erosion durch Wind' (erosion by wind), or 'Erosion des Bodens' (soil erosion).
EXAMPLE
Die Erosion durch den starken Wind hat die Felsformationen über Jahrhunderte geformt.
Erosion by the strong wind shaped the rock formations over centuries.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'Erosion' (erosion) is often used for the slow loss of positive, abstract things. Common combinations are 'Erosion des Vertrauens' (erosion of trust), 'Erosion der Werte' (erosion of values), or 'Erosion der Demokratie' (erosion of democracy).
EXAMPLE
Die Inflation führt zu einer Erosion der Kaufkraft.
Inflation leads to an erosion of purchasing power.
Compare with
Erosion vs Verfall
decay / expiration
'der Verfall' and 'die Erosion' both describe something gradually becoming weaker, worse, or destroyed. 'Verfall' is especially suitable for buildings, conditions, strength, or even morals: something becomes old, broken, or loses its order. 'Erosion' first refers to the natural wearing away of soil or rock by water, wind, or ice. In a figurative sense, you can also speak of the erosion of trust or authority. In that case, 'Erosion' often sounds somewhat more technical and emphasizes slow breakdown through external influences.
Erosion
Nach den starken Regenfällen hat die Erosion am Flussufer zugenommen.
After the heavy rains, erosion along the riverbank increased.
Verfall
Der Verfall des alten Hauses ist seit Jahren deutlich zu sehen.
The decay of the old house has been clearly visible for years.
In real life
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