die Zerstörung
destruction
The process or result of something being completely broken or destroyed.
EXAMPLE
Der Krieg führte zur Zerstörung großer Teile der Stadt.
The war led to the destruction of large parts of the city.
die Zerstörung
destruction
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family with 'zer-'
'Die Zerstörung' (destruction) is derived from the verb 'zerstören' (to destroy). The prefix 'zer-' often expresses a destructive action in verbs, where something is broken into pieces or destroyed.
EXAMPLE
Der Vandalismus führte zur Zerstörung der neuen Parkbänke.
The vandalism led to the destruction of the new park benches.
Sentence structure with genitive
To say what was destroyed, German usually uses the genitive. In spoken language, the construction with 'von' + dative is also common.
EXAMPLE
Die Zerstörung des Regenwaldes hat globale Folgen.
The destruction of the rainforest has global consequences.
Typical collocations
Common causes are 'Krieg' (war), 'Feuer' (fire), or 'Naturkatastrophen' (natural disasters). Typical verbs are 'verursachen' (to cause), 'führen zu' (to lead to), or 'verhindern' (to prevent).
EXAMPLE
Das Hochwasser verursachte die vollständige Zerstörung der Ernte.
The flood caused the complete destruction of the harvest.
Compare with
Zerstörung vs Vernichtung
destruction
Both words can refer to complete destruction. „Zerstörung“ is more general and can mean either the act of destroying something or the result, whereas „Vernichtung“ places stronger emphasis on total and often deliberate eradication. „Zerstörung“ is usually appropriate for a destroyed building; „Vernichtung“ is more suitable for the final elimination of something.
Zerstörung
Die Zerstörung des alten Hauses begann nach dem schweren Brand.
The destruction of the old house began after the severe fire.
Vernichtung
Die Vernichtung der alten Akten erfolgte nach einer gezielten Entscheidung.
The destruction of the old files took place following a deliberate decision.
In real life
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