zerfetzen
to tear to pieces
To rip something into many small pieces or shreds with great force.
EXAMPLE
Die Explosion hat das Auto regelrecht zerfetzt.
The explosion literally tore the car to pieces.
zerfetzen
to shred / tear to pieces
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Meanings
zerfetzen
to tear apart
In a figurative sense, to criticize someone or something verbally in an extremely harsh and devastating way.
EXAMPLE
Der Kritiker hat den neuen Roman in seiner Rezension komplett zerfetzt.
The critic completely tore apart the new novel in his review.
Usage tips
Inseparable prefix
The prefix 'zer-' is inseparable and often expresses destruction or falling apart into pieces. The base word is 'der Fetzen' (a torn piece of cloth or paper). So 'zerfetzen' literally means 'to turn into shreds'.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund hat meine Zeitung komplett zerfetzt.
The dog completely shredded my newspaper.
Strong, expressive verb
'Zerfetzen' (to shred / tear to pieces) is a very vivid and strong word. It describes complete and often violent destruction and is much more intense than neutral verbs like 'zerreißen' (to tear) or 'kritisieren' (to criticize).
EXAMPLE
Die Wucht der Wellen drohte, das kleine Boot zu zerfetzen.
The force of the waves threatened to tear the small boat to pieces.
Context clue
You can tell whether the word is meant literally or figuratively from the object. If a physical thing (e.g., a letter) is 'zerfetzt' (torn to pieces), it is literal. If an abstract work (e.g., a book, a film) is 'zerfetzt' (torn apart), it is a devastating criticism.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Rede zerfetzte der Oppositionspolitiker den Vorschlag der Regierung.
In his speech, the opposition politician tore apart the government's proposal.
Compare with
zerfetzen vs zerreißen
to tear apart / rip apart
Both verbs describe violently dividing something by tearing it. Zerreißen is the more general term, while zerfetzen emphasizes greater force and many small shreds. Use zerreißen for a simple division into pieces, and zerfetzen when the destruction is more severe.
zerfetzen
Wütend zerfetzt sie das alte Tuch in viele kleine Stücke.
Furiously, she tears the old cloth into many small pieces.
zerreißen
Sie zerreißt das alte Tuch mit einem kräftigen Zug in zwei Teile.
With one forceful pull, she tears the old cloth into two pieces.
In real life
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