total loss
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total loss
Damage, usually to a vehicle, that is so extensive that a repair is no longer economically sensible because the costs exceed the value of the vehicle.
Nach dem Unfall war das Auto ein Totalschaden.
After the accident, the car was a total loss.
'Totalschaden' (total loss) is made up of the adjective 'total' (total) and the noun 'der Schaden' (the damage). So it literally describes complete, total damage.
Die Versicherung hat den Wagen als Totalschaden eingestuft.
The insurance company classified the car as a total loss.
The literal meaning almost always refers to vehicles or expensive machines. The figurative meaning is used for anything else that fails completely: projects, parties, relationships, or plans.
Mein altes Fahrrad hatte nach dem Sturz einen Totalschaden.
My old bicycle was a total loss after the fall.
The figurative meaning of 'Totalschaden' (complete disaster) for a complete failure is very common, but it belongs more to colloquial language.
Meine Frisur ist nach dem Regen ein totaler Totalschaden.
My hairstyle is a total disaster after the rain.
success
'der Erfolg' and 'der Totalschaden' can form a strong contrast in a figurative sense. A success means that something works out and the goal is achieved. A 'Totalschaden' then does not mean a broken car, but a complete failure or the total destruction of a plan. This word sounds very figurative and stronger than 'Misserfolg' (failure). It fits when you want to emphasize that almost nothing can be saved.
Nach dem Streit war die Zusammenarbeit ein Totalschaden.
After the argument, the collaboration was a complete disaster.
Wegen der guten Planung wird das Projekt wahrscheinlich ein Erfolg.
Because of the good planning, the project will probably be a success.