kaputt
broken
No longer working, broken, or damaged. Usually refers to objects or devices.
EXAMPLE
Mein Handy ist heruntergefallen und jetzt ist das Display kaputt.
My phone fell down, and now the display is broken.
kaputt
broken / exhausted
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Meanings
kaputt
exhausted
Colloquial for completely exhausted, extremely tired, or worn out. Refers to people.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung war ich abends total kaputt.
After the long hike, I was totally exhausted in the evening.
kaputt
ruined / broken
Destroyed or failed, often in reference to relationships, plans, or abstract things.
EXAMPLE
Durch den ständigen Streit ist ihre Freundschaft kaputtgegangen.
Because of the constant arguing, their friendship broke down.
Usage tips
Sentence structure and use
The adjective 'kaputt' (broken/exhausted) is very often used as part of the predicate with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'gehen' (to go). Attributive use before a noun, as in 'das kaputte Fahrrad' (the broken bicycle), is possible, but less common.
EXAMPLE
Das Glas ist kaputt.
The glass is broken.
Typical verbs
Two very common verbs formed with 'kaputt' (broken) are 'kaputtgehen' (for something to break by itself) and 'kaputtmachen' (for someone to break something intentionally or unintentionally).
EXAMPLE
Die alte Waschmaschine ist einfach kaputtgegangen.
The old washing machine simply broke.
Context clue
The context reveals the exact meaning: if 'kaputt' (broken) refers to an object, it is broken. If it refers to a person, they are exhausted. If it refers to something abstract like a relationship, it has failed.
EXAMPLE
Der Fernseher ist kaputt.
The television is broken.
Register: colloquial language
When 'kaputt' (exhausted) describes a person who is very tired or worn out, it is used colloquially. In more formal contexts, you would rather say 'erschöpft' (exhausted) or 'ermüdet' (fatigued).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Arbeit bin ich oft völlig kaputt.
After work, I'm often completely exhausted.
Compare with
kaputt vs außer
except / besides
Außer Betrieb and kaputt can both indicate that a device is not working. Außer Betrieb describes the state of not being in use without claiming that there is a defect; kaputt says that the device is damaged or no longer functional. Use außer Betrieb for maintenance or shutdown, and kaputt when there is damage.
kaputt
Der Aufzug ist kaputt und muss repariert werden.
The elevator is broken and needs to be repaired.
außer
Der Aufzug ist wegen der Wartung heute außer Betrieb.
The elevator is out of service today because of maintenance.
In real life
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