das Fiasko
fiasco
An event or undertaking that fails completely in an embarrassing or catastrophic way; a total failure.
EXAMPLE
Die Premiere des Theaterstücks endete in einem Fiasko.
The premiere of the play ended in a fiasco.
das Fiasko
fiasco
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Meanings
Usage tips
Strong register
'Fiasko' (fiasco) is a very strong word and describes a total, often public and embarrassing failure. It is not used for small mistakes or mishaps.
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt wurde nach dem finanziellen Fiasko sofort gestoppt.
The project was stopped immediately after the financial fiasco.
Typical collocations
The word is often combined with verbs like 'erleben' (to experience) or 'verhindern' (to prevent). People often speak of a 'finanzielles' (financial), 'politisches' (political), or 'persönliches Fiasko' (personal fiasco).
EXAMPLE
Die Organisatoren versuchten alles, um ein Fiasko zu verhindern.
The organizers tried everything to prevent a fiasco.
Use with 'enden'
A very common construction is 'in einem Fiasko enden' (to end in a fiasco). It describes the catastrophic result of an action or event.
EXAMPLE
Die Verhandlungen endeten in einem Fiasko, da keine Seite nachgeben wollte.
The negotiations ended in a fiasco because neither side wanted to give in.
Compare with
Fiasko vs Katastrophe
catastrophe
Katastrophe and Fiasko can both refer to a complete failure. Katastrophe is a colloquial, emphatic assessment of a failed performance or undertaking. Fiasko is more strongly marked and emphasizes that an undertaking has failed completely, often in an embarrassing way.
Fiasko
Die groß angekündigte Veranstaltung vor fast leeren Rängen endete in einem Fiasko.
The heavily publicized event ended in a fiasco with the venue almost empty.
Katastrophe
Die schlechte Organisation der großen Veranstaltung war eine Katastrophe.
The poor organization of the large event was a disaster.
In real life
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