collapse / breakdown
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collapse / breakdown
The sudden failure or breakdown of a system, organization, or structure.
Der Zusammenbruch des Stromnetzes legte die gesamte Stadt lahm.
The collapse of the power grid brought the entire city to a standstill.
breakdown
A state of acute physical or emotional exhaustion in a person, often as a result of illness, overwork, or severe stress.
Nach monatelanger Überlastung erlitt sie einen Nervenzusammenbruch.
After months of being overworked, she suffered a nervous breakdown.
collapse
The collapse of a structure such as a building or a bridge.
Der Zusammenbruch des alten Fabrikgebäudes wurde durch Materialermüdung verursacht.
The collapse of the old factory building was caused by material fatigue.
'Der Zusammenbruch' (the collapse / breakdown) is the noun corresponding to the separable verb 'zusammenbrechen' (to collapse / break down). It describes the event or state when something or someone collapses or breaks down.
Das marode Gebäude ist plötzlich zusammengebrochen.
The dilapidated building suddenly collapsed.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about a system (economy, traffic), meaning m01 is meant. If it is about a person (health, psyche), m02 is meant. If it is about a structure (bridge, house), m03 is meant.
Der Zusammenbruch des Internets führte zu Chaos. (System)
The breakdown of the internet led to chaos. (system)
When it is about a person, the verb 'erleiden' (to suffer) is often used: 'einen Zusammenbruch erleiden' (to suffer a breakdown). A very common combination is also 'der Nervenzusammenbruch' (nervous breakdown).
Nach wochenlangem Stress hat er einen Zusammenbruch erlitten.
After weeks of stress, he suffered a breakdown.
In the meaning of 'failure of a system', 'Zusammenbruch' (collapse / breakdown) is often combined with economic or organizational terms. Typical examples are: 'wirtschaftlicher Zusammenbruch' (economic collapse), 'Zusammenbruch des Imperiums' (collapse of the empire), or 'Zusammenbruch der Kommunikation' (breakdown of communication).
Die Hyperinflation führte zum wirtschaftlichen Zusammenbruch des Landes.
Hyperinflation led to the country's economic collapse.
crash / fall
Absturz and Zusammenbruch can both describe a severe negative development. Absturz emphasizes the sudden and steep fall, while Zusammenbruch highlights the extensive failure of the existing system or state. Use Absturz for a steep downward development and Zusammenbruch when the structure as a whole no longer functions.
Nach dem Skandal kam es zum vollständigen Zusammenbruch der Organisation.
After the scandal, the organization completely collapsed.
Nach dem Skandal folgte ein steiler Absturz des Unternehmens.
After the scandal, the company suffered a steep downfall.
