01
der Zustand
condition
The current state or condition of a person, thing, or system.
example
Das gebrauchte Fahrrad ist in einem erstaunlich guten Zustand.
The used bicycle is in surprisingly good condition.
der Zustand
condition / state
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure and use
'Zustand' (condition/state) is very often used with the preposition 'in' and an adjective to describe the condition of something. The structure is: 'in einem ... Zustand sein' (to be in a ... condition/state).
EXAMPLE
Das Auto ist schon alt, aber es ist in einem perfekten Zustand.
The car is already old, but it is in perfect condition.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'der aktuelle Zustand' (the current condition/state), 'der körperliche/psychische Zustand' (the physical/psychological condition) of a person, or 'der ursprüngliche Zustand' (the original condition/state) of something that is being restored.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt informierte uns über den Zustand des Patienten.
The doctor informed us about the patient's condition.
Fixed expression
The negative meaning often appears in the fixed expression 'Das ist doch kein Zustand!' (This is no way for things to be!). You say this to complain about an unacceptable, chaotic situation.
EXAMPLE
Überall liegt Müll und nichts funktioniert. Das ist doch kein Zustand!
There is trash everywhere and nothing works. This is no way for things to be!
Context clue
This meaning is limited to the natural sciences. You can recognize it by signal words such as 'fest' (solid), 'flüssig' (liquid), 'gasförmig' (gaseous), or the technical term 'Aggregatzustand' (state of matter).
EXAMPLE
Der Aggregatzustand von Wasser ändert sich je nach Temperatur.
The state of matter of water changes depending on the temperature.
Compare with
Zustand vs Stand
status / stand
'der Stand' and 'der Zustand' both describe how something is at the moment. 'der Stand' is especially suitable for a process, a project, or a development. It says how far along something is or where things currently stand. 'der Zustand' more often describes the condition or quality of a person, thing, or situation, for example whether something is clean, broken, healthy, or chaotic. The words are easy to confuse because both ask about the current moment. For progress, you are more likely to say 'Stand'; for condition or state, 'Zustand' is more likely.
Zustand
Das Fahrrad ist in gutem Zustand, obwohl es schon alt ist.
The bicycle is in good condition, even though it is already old.
Stand
Nach der Besprechung kennen wir den neuen Stand der Planung.
After the meeting, we know the new status of the planning.
In real life
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