zerstört
destroyed
Physically broken, destroyed, or no longer functional, often because of violence or an accident.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Erdbeben war die halbe Stadt zerstört.
After the earthquake, half the city was destroyed.
zerstört
destroyed / devastated
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
zerstört
devastated
Emotionally or psychologically at the end of one's strength; deeply unhappy and desperate.
EXAMPLE
Sie war nach der Trennung von ihrem Partner völlig zerstört.
She was completely devastated after separating from her partner.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Zerstört' is the past participle of the verb 'zerstören' (to destroy) and is used as an adjective. The prefix 'zer-' points to final destruction or breaking something.
EXAMPLE
Das alte, zerstörte Gebäude soll bald abgerissen werden.
The old, destroyed building is supposed to be demolished soon.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context. If 'zerstört' (destroyed/devastated) refers to an object or place, physical destruction is meant. If it refers to a person, the emotional state is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto war nach dem Unfall komplett zerstört.
The car was completely destroyed after the accident.
Typical intensifiers
The adjective is very often intensified with adverbs to emphasize the extent of the destruction. Common combinations are 'völlig zerstört' (completely destroyed/devastated), 'komplett zerstört' (completely destroyed), or 'total zerstört' (totally destroyed/devastated).
EXAMPLE
Meine Lieblingsvase ist heruntergefallen und nun völlig zerstört.
My favorite vase fell down and is now completely destroyed.
Compare with
zerstört vs fertig
finished / ready
Fertig and zerstört can both describe a state of severe emotional distress. Fertig generally refers to intense physical or emotional exhaustion. Zerstört emphasizes a deeper psychological shock, great unhappiness, or despair.
zerstört
Nach der belastenden Trennung ist Nina innerlich zerstört und tief verzweifelt.
After the difficult breakup, Nina is emotionally devastated and deeply desperate.
fertig
Nach der belastenden Trennung ist Nina völlig fertig und braucht erst einmal Ruhe.
After the difficult breakup, Nina is completely exhausted and needs some time to rest.
In real life
Loading video examples...