platzen
to burst
To suddenly tear open or break apart with a sound because of too much internal pressure or external force.
EXAMPLE
Der Autoreifen ist auf der Autobahn geplatzt.
The car tire burst on the highway.
platzen
to burst
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Meanings
platzen
to fall through
To fail unexpectedly or not come about. Often refers to plans, dreams, appointments, or business deals.
EXAMPLE
Die geplante Fusion der beiden Unternehmen ist in letzter Minute geplatzt.
The planned merger of the two companies fell through at the last minute.
platzen
to be bursting
Figurative for a state of extreme fullness or tension, often in reference to rooms or emotions.
EXAMPLE
Der Saal platzte aus allen Nähten, so viele Leute waren da.
The hall was bursting at the seams; there were so many people there.
platzen vor
to burst with
To be overwhelmed by a strong feeling such as anger, curiosity, pride, or impatience and hardly be able to hold it back.
EXAMPLE
Als er die Ungerechtigkeit sah, platzte er fast vor Wut.
When he saw the injustice, he almost burst with anger.
Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'platzen' (to burst) describes a sudden change of state or movement, the German perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have). This is a common mistake.
EXAMPLE
Der Luftballon ist mit einem lauten Knall geplatzt.
The balloon burst with a loud bang.
Context clue
The meaning of 'platzen' (to burst / to fall through) depends on the subject. If it is a concrete object (tire, pipe), it means 'zerbersten' (to burst apart). If it is something abstract (plan, dream, deal), it means 'scheitern' (to fail).
EXAMPLE
Das Wasserrohr ist im Keller geplatzt.
The water pipe burst in the basement.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'platzen' (to burst) is often used for things that are under pressure. Typical examples are a tire, a balloon, a pipe, or a fruit.
EXAMPLE
Die Kirschen sind nach dem starken Regen geplatzt.
The cherries burst after the heavy rain.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, 'platzen' (to fall through) is used for abstract things that are not realized. Common combinations are: a plan falls through, a dream is shattered, a deal falls through, or a wedding is called off.
EXAMPLE
Leider ist die geplante Hochzeit geplatzt.
Unfortunately, the planned wedding was called off.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'aus allen Nähten platzen' (to be bursting at the seams) is used to describe that a room, building, or means of transport is extremely full.
EXAMPLE
Der Bus am Morgen platzte aus allen Nähten.
The morning bus was bursting at the seams.
Preposition 'vor'
When 'platzen' (to burst) describes a strong feeling, it is always used with the preposition 'vor' and a noun in the dative. Typical feelings are anger, envy, pride, or curiosity.
EXAMPLE
Er platzte fast vor Neid, als er das neue Auto seines Nachbarn sah.
He almost burst with envy when he saw his neighbor's new car.
Compare with
platzen vs scheitern
to fail
For a business deal, scheitern generally means that it does not come about successfully. Platzen emphasizes the unexpected or abrupt collapse of the agreement. Use scheitern for an simply unsuccessful outcome; when there is a surprising cancellation, platzen is more fitting.
platzen
Kurz vor der Unterschrift platzte das Geschäft durch die überraschende Absage des Käufers.
The deal fell through just before the contract was signed because the buyer unexpectedly pulled out.
scheitern
Nach langen Verhandlungen scheiterte das Geschäft an unterschiedlichen Preisvorstellungen.
After lengthy negotiations, the deal failed because the parties had different ideas about the price.
In real life
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