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
die Erosion
erosion
The gradual destruction or weakening of something abstract, such as trust, values, or authority.
EXAMPLE
Die ständigen Skandale führten zu einer Erosion des Vertrauens in die Regierung.
The constant scandals led to an erosion of trust in the government.
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
Verfall and Erosion can both describe the increasing weakening of abstract foundations. Verfall refers to a more comprehensive decline or destruction. Erosion emphasizes the gradual weakening of an existing foundation, such as trust, values, or authority.
Erosion
Viele kleine Regelverstöße führten nach und nach zur Erosion staatlicher Autorität.
Many minor violations gradually led to the erosion of state authority.
Verfall
Der Verfall staatlicher Autorität wurde nach der langen Krise deutlich sichtbar.
The decline of state authority became clearly visible after the prolonged crisis.
In real life
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