zerstören
to destroy
To damage something through violence or force so severely that it no longer exists or becomes unusable.
EXAMPLE
Die Flut hat viele Häuser in der Region zerstört.
The flood destroyed many houses in the region.
zerstören
to destroy
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Meanings
zerstören
to destroy
To ruin something immaterial, such as feelings, relationships, hopes, or plans.
EXAMPLE
Seine ständigen Lügen haben unser Vertrauen vollständig zerstört.
His constant lies completely destroyed our trust.
Usage tips
Inseparable prefix 'zer-'
'Zerstören' (to destroy) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'zer-' almost always indicates destruction, separation, or falling apart. When you see this prefix, you can often assume a negative or destructive meaning.
EXAMPLE
Ein Erdbeben hat die alte Brücke komplett zerstört.
An earthquake completely destroyed the old bridge.
Context clue
How do you recognize the meaning? Pay attention to the object of the verb. If it is a physical object (e.g., a house, a city), it is about material destruction. If it is an abstract concept (e.g., trust, a friendship), the immaterial meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm zerstörte das Dach unseres Hauses.
The storm destroyed the roof of our house.
Typical collocations
In the context of physical destruction, 'zerstören' (to destroy) is often used with buildings, cities, nature, or objects. Typical combinations are: 'ein Nest zerstören' (to destroy a nest), 'die Umwelt zerstören' (to destroy the environment), or 'Beweise zerstören' (to destroy evidence).
EXAMPLE
Der Waldbrand hat riesige Teile des Waldes zerstört.
The forest fire destroyed huge parts of the forest.
Typical collocations
When it comes to immaterial things, 'zerstören' (to destroy) is often combined with feelings, relationships, or plans. Typical phrases are: 'eine Freundschaft zerstören' (to destroy a friendship), 'Hoffnungen zerstören' (to destroy hopes), or 'einen Ruf zerstören' (to destroy a reputation).
EXAMPLE
Die falsche Anschuldigung hat seine Karriere zerstört.
The false accusation destroyed his career.
Compare with
zerstören vs töten
to kill
Zerstören and töten can both express bringing an end to a hope, mood, or love. Zerstören is the more neutral standard choice. Töten is a much stronger metaphor that presents the feeling figuratively as something living that loses its life.
zerstören
Die erneute Absage zerstörte ihre Hoffnung auf eine Zusage.
The renewed rejection destroyed her hope of receiving an acceptance.
töten
Die endgültige Absage tötete ihre letzte Hoffnung auf eine Zusage.
The final rejection killed her last hope of receiving an acceptance.
In real life
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