to collapse
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to collapse
To physically lose one's strength and fall to the ground, often due to exhaustion, illness, or a strong emotion.
Nach dem Marathon ist der Läufer völlig erschöpft zusammengebrochen.
After the marathon, the runner collapsed completely exhausted.
to collapse
The falling down of a structure or the ceasing of function of a system, organization, or structure.
Die alte Brücke ist während des Sturms zusammengebrochen.
The old bridge collapsed during the storm.
to break down
To suffer an emotional or nervous breakdown; to lose psychological control.
Als sie die schlechte Nachricht hörte, ist sie weinend zusammengebrochen.
When she heard the bad news, she broke down crying.
'Zusammenbrechen' (to collapse) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zusammen-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu,' the verb stays together.
Der Patient brach plötzlich zusammen.
The patient suddenly collapsed.
The perfect tense of 'zusammenbrechen' (to collapse) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). It describes a sudden change of state or location.
Das Kartenhaus ist sofort zusammengebrochen.
The house of cards collapsed immediately.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If the subject is a person, it usually means a physical or emotional collapse. If it is a building or system, it means a structural collapse.
Der Läufer brach im Ziel zusammen. (körperlich)
The runner collapsed at the finish line. (physical)
In the meaning of 'einstürzen' (to collapse), 'zusammenbrechen' (to collapse) is often used for abstract systems. Typical subjects are 'die Wirtschaft' (the economy), 'der Verkehr' (traffic), 'die Kommunikation' (communication), or 'ein Imperium' (an empire).
Während des Stromausfalls ist die gesamte Kommunikation zusammengebrochen.
During the power outage, all communication collapsed.
to fall over / faint / cave in
For a person, umfallen initially describes simply falling from an upright position; colloquially, it can also mean fainting. Zusammenbrechen, by contrast, emphasizes that the person loses their physical strength because of exhaustion, illness, or strong emotions and falls to the ground.
Sie verlor nach dem anstrengenden Lauf ihre Kräfte und brach zu Boden zusammen.
She lost her strength after the strenuous run and collapsed to the ground.
Sie stolperte über die Tasche und fiel zu Boden um.
She tripped over the bag and fell to the ground.
