exhaustion / depletion
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exhaustion
A state of extreme physical or mental tiredness and lack of strength, usually as a result of great effort or stress.
Nach dem Marathon war sie kurz vor der völligen Erschöpfung.
After the marathon, she was on the verge of complete exhaustion.
depletion
The complete use-up or consumption of resources, supplies, or possibilities.
Die Erschöpfung der natürlichen Ressourcen ist ein globales Problem.
The depletion of natural resources is a global problem.
'Erschöpfung' (exhaustion/depletion) comes from the verb 'erschöpfen' (to exhaust/deplete). The base word 'schöpfen' means to take something out or draw something, as in water from a well. The prefix 'er-' signals a process carried through to the end—so all strength or all resources have been 'herausgeschöpft' (drawn out/used up).
Nach wochenlanger Arbeit waren seine Kräfte völlig erschöpft.
After weeks of work, his strength was completely exhausted.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if 'Erschöpfung' (exhaustion/depletion) refers to a person, it is about tiredness and lack of strength. If it refers to things like 'Ressourcen' (resources), 'Vorräte' (supplies), or 'Quellen' (sources), it means complete consumption or depletion.
Wegen seiner Erschöpfung musste der Wanderer eine Pause machen.
Because of his exhaustion, the hiker had to take a break.
When it is about tiredness, 'Erschöpfung' (exhaustion) is often intensified with adjectives like 'völlig' (complete) or 'total' (total). Fixed phrases include 'am Rande der Erschöpfung sein' (to be on the verge of exhaustion) or 'an Erschöpfung leiden' (to suffer from exhaustion).
Die junge Mutter war nach den schlaflosen Nächten am Rande der Erschöpfung.
After the sleepless nights, the young mother was on the verge of exhaustion.
To express the cause of the tiredness, the preposition 'vor' (from/because of) with the dative is often used. For example, someone has almost fallen asleep 'vor Erschöpfung' (from exhaustion).
Der Läufer fiel nach dem Rennen vor Erschöpfung ins Gras.
After the race, the runner collapsed into the grass from exhaustion.
In the context of resources, 'Erschöpfung' (depletion) is usually used with a genitive or the preposition 'von' (of) to say what has been used up: 'die Erschöpfung der Rohstoffe' (the depletion of raw materials) or 'die Erschöpfung von Vorräten' (the depletion of supplies).
Wissenschaftler warnen vor der baldigen Erschöpfung der Phosphorvorkommen.
Scientists warn of the imminent depletion of phosphorus deposits.
tiredness / fatigue
Müdigkeit and Erschöpfung both describe a state of having little energy and wanting to rest. Müdigkeit is the more general state, while Erschöpfung refers to a much more severe lack of energy after considerable exertion. Use Müdigkeit when you simply need normal rest, and Erschöpfung after very intense exertion.
Nach dem langen Arbeitstag war die Erschöpfung so stark, dass sie kaum noch sprechen konnte.
After the long workday, she was so exhausted that she could barely speak.
Nach dem langen Arbeitstag war die Müdigkeit groß, und sie ging früh ins Bett.
After the long workday, she was very tired and went to bed early.
