01
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
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Meanings
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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 ganz
whole / quite
'ganz' and 'intakt' can both say that something is not broken. 'ganz' is the simple everyday word and here means 'unbroken' or 'undamaged'. 'intakt' sounds more precise and often a bit more objective: it means not only that something is not damaged, but also that it functions. For devices, body parts, buildings, or systems, 'intakt' is often more suitable. Learners may confuse the words because both are possible for undamaged things. A simple rule is: 'ganz' is more about broken or not broken; 'intakt' additionally emphasizes good condition and function.
intakt
Heute prüft der Arzt, ob das Gelenk nach dem Unfall wieder intakt ist.
Today the doctor is checking whether the joint is intact again after the accident.
ganz
Zum Glück ist das Glas nach dem Sturz noch ganz.
Fortunately, the glass is still intact after the fall.
In real life
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