zusammengebrochen
collapsed
Having fallen in on itself due to a collapse or loss of stability and no longer standing upright or functioning.
EXAMPLE
Das zusammengebrochene Dach lag auf dem Boden.
The collapsed roof lay on the ground.
zusammengebrochen
collapsed
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Meanings
zusammengebrochen
collapsed
Having suddenly become physically weak and fallen to the ground or no longer being able to act.
EXAMPLE
Sanitäter kümmerten sich sofort um den zusammengebrochenen Läufer.
Paramedics immediately took care of the collapsed runner.
zusammengebrochen
broken down
So severely emotionally distressed that someone can no longer control their feelings or strength.
EXAMPLE
Nach der schlechten Nachricht war sie völlig zusammengebrochen.
After the bad news, she had completely broken down.
zusammengebrochen
collapsed
No longer functioning or no longer existing in its previous form, for example a system, supply network, or negotiation.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm war das gesamte Stromnetz zusammengebrochen.
After the storm, the entire power grid had collapsed.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry zusammengebrochen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | zusammengebrochen |
|---|
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to zusammengebrochen.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to zusammengebrochen.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to zusammengebrochen.
Usage tips
Participle formation
“Zusammengebrochen” (collapsed) is the past participle of the separable verb “zusammenbrechen” (to collapse). The prefix “zusammen-” appears before “gebrochen” again in the participle; as an adjective, the word can be placed before a noun or after “sein” (to be).
EXAMPLE
Der alte Steg ist unter der Last zusammengebrochen.
The old footbridge collapsed under the weight.
Die zusammengebrochene Mauer versperrte den Weg.
The collapsed wall blocked the way.
Typical objects
In this meaning, “zusammengebrochen” (collapsed) often describes structures or parts of them. Common collocations include “zusammengebrochenes Dach” (collapsed roof), “zusammengebrochene Brücke” (collapsed bridge), and “zusammengebrochene Mauer” (collapsed wall).
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr sperrte das Gebiet wegen des zusammengebrochenen Dachs ab.
The fire department cordoned off the area because of the collapsed roof.
Physical exhaustion
When referring to people, the context usually points to a physical cause, such as extreme exertion, heat, or circulatory problems. Common collocations include “körperlich zusammengebrochen” (physically collapsed) and “zusammengebrochener Patient” (collapsed patient).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Aufstieg lag der körperlich zusammengebrochene Wanderer im Schatten.
After the long climb, the physically collapsed hiker lay in the shade.
Emotional distress
With words such as “völlig” (completely), “emotional” (emotionally), or “nach der Nachricht” (after the news), “zusammengebrochen” (collapsed) often describes a strong psychological reaction. The person is often described as “völlig zusammengebrochen” (having completely broken down).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem plötzlichen Verlust ihres Arbeitsplatzes war sie emotional zusammengebrochen.
After suddenly losing her job, she had broken down emotionally.
Systems and negotiations
When discussing abstract topics, “zusammengebrochen” (collapsed) often appears with words such as “Stromversorgung” (power supply), “Wirtschaft” (economy), “Lieferkette” (supply chain), or “Verhandlungen” (negotiations). The context then shows that a function or process is no longer continuing.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Streiks war die gesamte Lieferkette zusammengebrochen.
Because of the strike, the entire supply chain had collapsed.
In real life
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