catastrophe
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catastrophe
A very great misfortune or a serious accident with terrible consequences, such as a natural disaster or a technical disaster.
Der Tsunami löste in der gesamten Region eine humanitäre Katastrophe aus.
The tsunami triggered a humanitarian catastrophe throughout the region.
The word 'Katastrophe' (catastrophe) is often used as the first part of compound nouns that refer to major disasters. These words are often found in news or official contexts.
Der Katastrophenschutz übt für den Ernstfall.
The disaster management service is practicing for an emergency.
You can tell from context whether a real disaster or an everyday failure is meant. In serious reports, it is about the literal meaning; in personal stories, it is usually a colloquial exaggeration.
Die Zerstörung des Waldes ist eine ökologische Katastrophe.
The destruction of the forest is an ecological catastrophe.
In connection with major disasters, 'Katastrophe' (catastrophe) is often used with verbs like 'auslösen' (to trigger), 'verhindern' (to prevent), or 'abwenden' (to avert). The combination with 'Natur-' (natural) or 'Umwelt-' (environmental) is also very common.
Durch schnelles Handeln konnte eine größere Katastrophe abgewendet werden.
Through quick action, a larger catastrophe was averted.
In colloquial language, the word is often intensified with adjectives like 'rein' (pure), 'total' (total), or 'einzige' (single/absolute) to describe a complete failure. It is usually used with the verb 'sein' (to be).
Die Organisation der Feier war eine einzige Katastrophe.
The organization of the party was an absolute disaster.
accident
'der Unfall' and 'die Katastrophe' both refer to something bad that can cause harm. 'Unfall' means a sudden, unintended event, for example in traffic, at home, or at work. 'Katastrophe' is much stronger and means a very great misfortune with serious consequences. Colloquially, 'Katastrophe' can also be used for something that has gone completely wrong. The words can be confused because a serious accident can be a catastrophe. But not every accident is automatically a catastrophe.
Das Erdbeben war eine Katastrophe für die ganze Region.
The earthquake was a catastrophe for the whole region.
Nach dem Unfall rief ein Passant sofort die Polizei.
After the accident, a passerby immediately called the police.