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katastrophal
catastrophic
Extremely bad, devastating, or having very negative consequences; like a catastrophe.
example
Die finanzielle Lage des Unternehmens ist katastrophal.
The company's financial situation is catastrophic.
katastrophal
catastrophic
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'katastrophal' (catastrophic) is derived directly from the noun 'die Katastrophe' (catastrophe). If you know the noun, you can easily work out the meaning of the adjective: something is as bad as a catastrophe.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm hatte katastrophale Folgen für die Landwirtschaft.
The storm had catastrophic consequences for agriculture.
Strong word
'Katastrophal' (catastrophic) is a very strong word. It is used for extremely negative situations, results, or conditions, not for small everyday problems.
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeitsbedingungen in der Fabrik wurden als katastrophal beschrieben.
The working conditions in the factory were described as catastrophic.
Typical collocations
'Katastrophal' (catastrophic) often describes abstract nouns such as 'die Lage' (the situation), 'die Situation' (the situation), 'die Folgen' (the consequences), 'ein Fehler' (a mistake), or 'ein Ergebnis' (a result).
EXAMPLE
Ein kleiner Fehler am Anfang führte zu einem katastrophalen Ergebnis.
A small mistake at the beginning led to a catastrophic result.
Compare with
katastrophal vs schrecklich
terrible
'schrecklich' and 'katastrophal' both describe something very negative. 'schrecklich' is more general and fits many unpleasant situations, feelings, or things of poor quality. 'katastrophal' sounds stronger and often means that something turns out very badly or has serious consequences. It fits especially well with results, conditions, or mistakes, for example in planning, traffic, work, or exams. In practical terms: 'schrecklich' can simply mean very bad or unpleasant, while 'katastrophal' sounds like a major failure or serious damage.
katastrophal
Am Morgen war die Stimmung im Team katastrophal, weil der wichtige Bericht fehlte.
In the morning, the mood in the team was catastrophic because the important report was missing.
schrecklich
Nach dem langen Tag hatte ich schreckliche Kopfschmerzen.
After the long day, I had a terrible headache.
In real life
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