Garaus
der Garaus, die Garaus
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to finish someone or something off
To destroy, end, or kill someone or something completely. The expression is usually used figuratively.
Der starke Frost machte den jungen Pflanzen den Garaus.
The severe frost finished off the young plants.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Garaus |
| genitive | des Garaus |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Garaus | die Garaus |
| accusative | den Garaus | die Garaus |
| dative | dem Garaus | den Garaus |
| genitive | des Garaus | der Garaus |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Garaus' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'jemandem oder etwas den Garaus machen' (to finish someone or something off). Learn the expression as a whole: the definite article 'den' is part of it.
Das neue Bauprojekt könnte der alten Wiese den Garaus machen.
The new construction project could finish off the old meadow.
The person or thing affected is in the dative. 'Den Garaus' is in the accusative, even when the expression refers to several people or things.
Die lange Trockenheit hat den kleinen Bäumen den Garaus gemacht.
The prolonged drought finished off the small trees.
The expression sounds vivid and dramatic. It is also used jokingly for everyday problems; in factual reports, it sounds emotional.
Mit dieser großen Tasse Kaffee mache ich meiner Müdigkeit den Garaus.
With this large cup of coffee, I'll finish off my tiredness.
