kaputtgehen
break · break down
Wenn etwas nicht mehr richtig funktioniert oder so beschädigt ist, dass man es nicht mehr gut benutzen kann.
The German word "kaputtgehen" is a verb made up of two parts:
- kaputt meaning "broken" or "not working"
- gehen meaning "to go"
Meaning:
"Kaputtgehen" means "to break down," "to get broken," or "to become damaged." It describes the process of something ceasing to work properly.
Similar words:
- brechen (to break)
- zerbrechen (to break into pieces)
- defekt werden (to become defective)
Difference:
- "Kaputtgehen" emphasizes the process or event of breaking or failing (often used with machines, devices, or objects).
- "Brechen" focuses on physically breaking something, often suddenly or sharply.
- "Zerbrechen" implies breaking into pieces.
- "Defekt werden" is more formal and technical for becoming defective.
Make “kaputtgehen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Seine Uhr ist leider kaputtgegangen.verb
Unfortunately, his watch has broken.
Seine Uhr ist kaputtgegangen.verb
His watch broke.
Leider ging das Spielzeug kaputt.verb
Unfortunately, the toy broke
Bald wird das Auto kaputtgehen.verb
The car will break down soon.
Beim Umzug ist ein Teller kaputtgegangen.verb
A plate broke during the move.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad