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.
'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 endure / bear
'ertragen' and 'zusammenbrechen' form a clear contrast. Someone who erträgt something withstands a burden and keeps going. Someone who zusammenbricht can no longer withstand the burden: physically, emotionally, or, with things and systems, in a practical sense. So 'ertragen' shows stability despite pressure. 'zusammenbrechen' shows the point where that stability ends.
Nach vielen Stunden ohne Pause brach Karim plötzlich zusammen.
After many hours without a break, Karim suddenly collapsed.
Wir ertragen die Hitze im kleinen Zimmer nur mit offenem Fenster.
We can only endure the heat in the small room with the window open.