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.
disaster
Colloquially, an event or performance that has gone completely wrong; a total failure.
Das Abendessen war eine einzige Katastrophe, weil alles angebrannt ist.
The dinner was an absolute disaster because everything burned.
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
Both words refer to a sudden harmful event. Unfall mainly describes an unintended occurrence, while Katastrophe emphasizes the exceptional scale and very serious consequences. Use Unfall for the general event and Katastrophe when the scale is particularly large.
Nach dem Erdbeben sprach die Regierung von einer Katastrophe mit schweren Folgen.
After the earthquake, the government called it a catastrophe with serious consequences.
Bei dem Unfall auf der Landstraße wurden zwei Menschen verletzt.
Two people were injured in the accident on the country road.
