adjective
gebrochen
break
Dieser Zustand beschreibt etwas, das nicht mehr ganz ist, weil es in zwei oder mehr Teile zerfallen oder kaputtgegangen ist.
The German word "gebrochen" is the past participle of the verb "brechen" which means "to break".
- brechen — to break
- gebrochen — broken (past participle/adjective)
It is commonly used to describe something that is physically broken (e.g., a broken bone), or figuratively broken (e.g., broken spirit).
Similar words:
- zerschlagen — shattered, smashed (stronger, more violent breaking)
- kaputt — broken, not working (informal, for devices/things)
- defekt — defective, faulty
Differences:
- "Gebrochen" focuses on the state resulting from an act of breaking, often for solid objects or abstract notions (e.g., broken heart).
- "Zerschlagen" implies forceful or complete breaking.
- "Kaputt" is more colloquial and often refers to practical usability.
- "Defekt" is more about malfunction or internal failure rather than physical breakage.
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Examples
Zum Glück wurde nichts gebrochen.adjective
Fortunately nothing was broken.
Der Ast unter ihm war gebrochen.adjective
The branch beneath him was broken.
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