to decompose / undermine / break down
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to decompose
The process of decay or breaking down that an organic substance undergoes through natural influences such as bacteria or fungi. This is also referred to as rotting or decomposing.
Die Blätter auf dem Komposthaufen zersetzen sich langsam zu Humus.
The leaves on the compost heap slowly decompose into humus.
to undermine
To deliberately weaken, undermine, or destroy a group, an organization, or people's morale from within. This tactic was often used by intelligence services.
Die ständigen Intrigen und Lügen zersetzten das Vertrauen innerhalb des Teams.
The constant intrigues and lies undermined trust within the team.
to break down
(Chemistry) To split a chemical compound into its simpler components or elements, for example through heat or electrolysis.
Durch Elektrolyse kann man Wasser in Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff zersetzen.
Through electrolysis, water can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen.
The prefix 'zer-' is inseparable and almost always expresses destruction, decay, or breaking apart. In all meanings of 'zersetzen' (to decompose/undermine/break down), this prefix signals a destructive process.
Die Säure zersetzt das Material.
The acid breaks down the material.
In the biological meaning (to rot), the verb is used reflexively: 'etwas zersetzt sich' (something decomposes). In the social and chemical meanings, it is used transitively: 'jemand/etwas zersetzt etwas' (someone/something undermines or breaks down something).
Das alte Holz zersetzt sich im feuchten Keller.
The old wood is decomposing in the damp cellar.
This reflexive meaning is found in the context of nature and biology. Typical subjects are organic substances such as plants, food, or other biological materials.
Das Obst auf dem Kompost zersetzt sich und wird zu Erde.
The fruit on the compost decomposes and turns into soil.
This figurative meaning is used in social or political contexts. It concerns abstract things such as trust, morale, a group, or an organization that are weakened from within.
Ständige Lügen zersetzten das Vertrauen in der Freundschaft.
Constant lies undermined the trust in the friendship.
The term 'Zersetzung' (undermining/subversion) has a special historical meaning in Germany. It referred to a psychological tactic used by the GDR secret police (Stasi) to undermine opposition groups.
In dem Buch wird die Methode der Zersetzung durch die Stasi beschrieben.
The book describes the Stasi's method of subversion.
This meaning is technical and belongs to the field of chemistry. It describes the deliberate splitting of a chemical compound into its individual elements or simpler components.
Hitze kann bestimmte chemische Verbindungen zersetzen.
Heat can break down certain chemical compounds.
to dissolve / resolve
When a solid substance is auflösen, it is distributed completely in a liquid; this does not imply chemical decomposition. Zersetzen, by contrast, means breaking a chemical compound down into simpler components, for example through heat or electrolysis.
Die Laborantin zersetzt die chemische Verbindung durch Hitze in einfachere Bestandteile.
The lab technician breaks the chemical compound down into simpler components using heat.
Die Laborantin löst den festen Stoff vollständig in Wasser auf.
The lab technician dissolves the solid substance completely in water.
