01
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
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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 zerstören
to destroy
'zerstören' and 'zerfetzen' can both mean that something is badly damaged. 'zerstören' is more general and works for many things, such as buildings, devices, plans, or trust. 'zerfetzen' is more concrete and vivid: something is torn into many pieces or shreds, such as paper or fabric. In a figurative sense, 'zerfetzen' can also mean very harsh criticism. In that case, it sounds stronger and more emotional than 'kritisieren' (to criticize) or the more general 'zerstören'. If you are not talking about tearing or very harsh criticism, 'zerstören' is usually more appropriate.
zerfetzen
Der Hund hat das Kissen im Wohnzimmer zerfetzt.
The dog tore the cushion in the living room to pieces.
zerstören
Der Unfall zerstörte das Auto fast vollständig.
The accident almost completely destroyed the car.
In real life
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