intakt
intact
Undamaged, complete, and functioning properly.
EXAMPLE
Die über 100 Jahre alte Vase ist noch vollkommen intakt.
The vase, which is over 100 years old, is still completely intact.
intakt
intact
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
intakt
intact
Used figuratively for social or ecological systems that function well and healthily.
EXAMPLE
Für die Entwicklung von Kindern ist eine intakte Familienstruktur wichtig.
An intact family structure is important for children's development.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from Latin. The prefix 'in-' means 'not' or 'un-', and the stem 'takt' comes from 'touched'. So 'intakt' (intact) literally means 'untouched' or 'undamaged'.
EXAMPLE
Trotz des Sturms blieben die meisten Häuser intakt.
Despite the storm, most of the houses remained intact.
Context clue
Whether 'intakt' (intact) is meant literally or figuratively can be recognized from the noun. If it refers to a physical object (e.g. a building), it means 'undamaged'. If it refers to a system (e.g. a family, nature), it means 'functioning healthily'.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Brücke ist erstaunlicherweise noch intakt.
The old bridge is surprisingly still intact.
Sentence structure and use
'Intakt' (intact) is very often used predicatively with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain) to describe a state.
EXAMPLE
Wir hoffen, dass die historische Altstadt intakt bleibt.
We hope that the historic old town remains intact.
Compare with
intakt vs gesund
healthy
Both words can describe a social or ecological system positively. “Intakt” emphasizes that the system’s interaction and functioning are preserved, while “gesund” focuses more strongly on assessing its condition as good or beneficial. Use “intakt” when the functions of a system are central, and “gesund” for its overall quality.
intakt
Das Ökosystem bleibt intakt, weil Pflanzen und Tiere dort zusammen funktionieren.
The ecosystem remains intact because the plants and animals function together there.
gesund
Eine gesunde Nachbarschaft lebt von Vertrauen, Hilfe und gemeinsamen Aktivitäten.
A healthy neighborhood is built on trust, mutual help, and shared activities.
In real life
Loading video examples...