catastrophic / end of the world
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catastrophic
Colloquial and exaggerating in predicative use: catastrophic, disastrous, or matching an apocalyptic mood.
Die Stimmung in der Kabine nach der hohen Niederlage war einfach nur Weltuntergang.
The mood in the locker room after the heavy defeat was simply catastrophic.
The word is actually the noun 'der Weltuntergang' (the end of the world), made up of 'Welt' (world) and 'Untergang' (downfall / destruction). Literally, it describes the end of the world. In this special use, the noun is used like an adjective to describe an extremely negative, catastrophic mood.
Nach der Absage des Konzerts war die Stimmung unter den Fans Weltuntergang.
After the concert was canceled, the mood among the fans was catastrophic.
In this colloquial meaning, 'Weltuntergang' (catastrophic / the end of the world) is used only predicatively, that is, after verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'wirken' (to seem). It is not declined and cannot stand before a noun.
Für ihn war die Prüfung nicht bestanden? Das ist doch nicht gleich Weltuntergang!
For him, failing the exam? That's not immediately the end of the world!
This use is strongly colloquial and has an exaggerating, often ironic character. It is used to portray a situation as much more dramatic than it really is.
Keine Sorge, ein kleiner Kratzer am Auto ist doch kein Weltuntergang.
Don't worry, a small scratch on the car is not the end of the world.
apocalypse
Apokalypse usually refers to a catastrophic, all-destroying event and can also mean the end of the world. In modern usage, Weltuntergang is often used hyperbolically for a very bad or disastrous situation. Apokalypse is a stronger fit for an extreme catastrophe, while Weltuntergang can also be used as dramatic exaggeration.
Für Jonas fühlte sich der ausgefallene Urlaub fast wie der Weltuntergang an.
To Jonas, the canceled vacation felt almost like the end of the world.
Nach dem Vulkanausbruch sah die zerstörte Stadt wie eine Apokalypse aus.
After the volcanic eruption, the destroyed city looked like an apocalypse.
