dilapidated / ailing
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dilapidated
In a very poor, structurally unsound, or decayed condition. Often used for buildings, bridges, or roads.
Die Brücke ist marode und muss für den Verkehr gesperrt werden.
The bridge is dilapidated and must be closed to traffic.
ailing
In a very poor economic or financial state; on the verge of collapse. Refers to companies, industries, or states.
Das Unternehmen war durch jahrelanges Missmanagement völlig marode.
The company was completely ailing because of years of mismanagement.
run-down
Colloquial for physically unwell, sick, or completely exhausted.
Nach der langen Krankheit fühle ich mich immer noch ziemlich marode.
After the long illness, I still feel pretty run-down.
The basic idea of 'marode' (dilapidated/ailing) is always a state of decay or a very poor condition. This idea is transferred from run-down buildings to the economy or even to a person's physical well-being.
Nach dem langen Winter waren viele Straßen in einem maroden Zustand.
After the long winter, many roads were in a dilapidated condition.
In its literal meaning, 'marode' (dilapidated) is used for infrastructure and buildings. Typical combinations are 'eine marode Brücke' (a dilapidated bridge), 'ein marodes Gebäude' (a dilapidated building), or 'marode Straßen' (dilapidated roads).
Die Schule muss saniert werden, da das Gebäude völlig marode ist.
The school has to be renovated because the building is completely dilapidated.
In an economic context, 'marode' (ailing) describes companies or finances that are on the verge of collapse. For example, people speak of 'einem maroden Unternehmen' (an ailing company), 'einer maroden Branche' (an ailing industry), or 'maroden Staatsfinanzen' (ailing public finances).
Die Fluggesellschaft war schon vor der Krise finanziell marode.
The airline was already financially ailing before the crisis.
When 'marode' (run-down) is used for people, it is colloquial. It then means that someone feels sick, weak, or exhausted. It is often combined with the verb 'fühlen' (to feel).
Ich konnte gestern nicht zur Party kommen, ich habe mich total marode gefühlt.
I couldn't come to the party yesterday; I felt totally run-down.
under the weather / weakened / chipped
A marode company is in very poor financial condition and may be on the verge of collapse. An angeschlagen company is also economically weakened, but the expression does not describe a state that is as serious. For a deep crisis, marode is therefore more appropriate.
Nach vielen Jahren hoher Verluste ist das Unternehmen finanziell marode.
After many years of heavy losses, the company is financially ailing.
Nach einem schwachen Geschäftsjahr ist das Unternehmen finanziell angeschlagen.
After a weak financial year, the company is financially weakened.
