01
verwüsten
to devastate
To completely destroy a place through violence or disorder, or to put it into a state of chaos.
example
Die Einbrecher haben die gesamte Wohnung verwüstet.
The burglars devastated the entire apartment.
verwüsten
to devastate
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is derived from the adjective 'wüst' (desolate or chaotic). The prefix 'ver-' intensifies this and turns it into an action: to put something into a devastated state.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm war der ganze Garten verwüstet.
After the storm, the whole garden was devastated.
Inseparable verb
'Verwüsten' (to devastate) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' always stays at the beginning of the verb, including in the past participle ('verwüstet') and in subordinate clauses.
EXAMPLE
Die Vandalen haben den Park verwüstet.
The vandals devastated the park.
Typical objects
The verb 'verwüsten' (to devastate) is typically used with places as accusative objects. Common examples are: to devastate an apartment, a room, a city, a country, or a landscape.
EXAMPLE
Die Wildschweine haben in einer Nacht den ganzen Acker verwüstet.
The wild boars devastated the entire field in one night.
Use in the passive
This verb is very often used in the passive to describe the state of a place after destruction. The focus is then on the result, not on the perpetrator.
EXAMPLE
Das Hotelzimmer wurde komplett verwüstet.
The hotel room was completely devastated.
Compare with
verwüsten vs zerstören
to destroy
'zerstören' and 'verwüsten' can both describe a place being badly damaged. 'zerstören' is more general and can be used for many things, for example buildings, cars, or devices. 'verwüsten' is used mainly for places or rooms. It means that many things there are broken or that there is great chaos. Learners may confuse the words because a devastated place is often also partly destroyed. The difference is: 'zerstören' emphasizes the damage itself, while 'verwüsten' emphasizes the chaotic state of a place after violence, a storm, or disorder.
verwüsten
Nach der Feier war die Küche völlig verwüstet.
After the party, the kitchen was completely trashed.
zerstören
Die Explosion hat das Auto vor dem Haus zerstört.
The explosion destroyed the car in front of the house.
In real life
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