der Verfall
decay
The process of gradual deterioration or destruction, especially of buildings, morals, or strength.
EXAMPLE
Viele alte Schlösser in der Region sind vom Verfall bedroht.
Many old castles in the region are threatened by decay.
der Verfall
decay / expiration
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Meanings
der Verfall
expiration
The loss of validity or of a claim after a certain deadline has passed.
EXAMPLE
Achten Sie auf das Datum, um den Verfall Ihrer Gutscheine zu vermeiden.
Pay attention to the date to avoid the expiration of your vouchers.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Verfall' (decay / expiration) is the noun related to the verb 'verfallen' (to decay / expire). When something 'verfällt' (decays / expires), it is in the process of 'Verfall' (decay / expiration). The verb helps you understand the meaning of the noun as a process.
EXAMPLE
Ohne Pflege wird das alte Haus schnell verfallen.
Without care, the old house will quickly decay.
Context clue
The meaning is clearly recognizable from context. If it is about buildings, strength, or morals, deterioration (m01) is meant. If it is about vouchers, tickets, deadlines, or claims, the loss of validity (m02) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Verfall der alten Fabrik ist nicht mehr aufzuhalten.
The decay of the old factory can no longer be stopped.
Typical collocations
For the process of decay, there are fixed phrases such as 'vom Verfall bedroht sein' (to be threatened by decay) or 'dem Verfall preisgegeben sein' (to be left to decay). The area is also often named, e.g. 'der Verfall der Sitten' (the decline of morals) or 'der körperliche Verfall' (physical decline).
EXAMPLE
Das historische Gebäude ist vom Verfall bedroht.
The historic building is threatened by decay.
Sentence structure with genitive
When referring to the loss of validity, the genitive or 'von' + dative is often used to say what is losing its validity: 'der Verfall des Gutscheins' (the expiration of the voucher) or 'der Verfall von Ansprüchen' (the expiration of claims).
EXAMPLE
Der Verfall der Garantie tritt nach zwei Jahren ein.
The expiration of the warranty takes effect after two years.
Compare with
Verfall vs Ablauf
sequence / drain
„Der Ablauf“ and „der Verfall“ can both be connected with the end of a validity period. „Der Ablauf“ refers to the point in time or temporal end of the period, while „der Verfall“ emphasizes the resulting loss of validity or of a claim. „Ablauf“ fits the date, while „Verfall“ is more suitable for the consequence.
Verfall
Der Verfall des Anspruchs tritt nach Ablauf dieser Frist ein.
The claim expires after this deadline has passed.
Ablauf
Der Ablauf der Genehmigung ist auf den 30. Juni festgelegt.
The permit's expiration date is set for June 30.
In real life
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