platzen
burst
Etwas geht plötzlich kaputt oder öffnet sich mit einem lauten Geräusch, weil zu viel Druck da ist.
The German word "platzen" is a verb that means "to burst", "to pop", or "to explode". It usually describes something that suddenly breaks open or fails, such as a balloon bursting or a plan collapsing.
Similar words in German include:
- zerplatzen (to burst/break apart)
- explodieren (to explode)
- reißen (to rip/tear)
Difference:
- platzen emphasizes a sudden bursting or failing, often unexpectedly (like a balloon or a meeting).
- zerplatzen focuses on breaking into pieces from bursting, stressing the fragmentation.
- explodieren suggests a more violent explosion with fire or force.
- reißen means to rip or tear, not necessarily bursting due to pressure but more due to force or strain.
Make “platzen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Der Ballon wird gleich platzen.verb
The balloon will burst soon
Die Reifen könnten platzen, wenn sie zu stark aufgepumpt sind.verb
The tires could burst if they are overinflated.
Die Wasserballons platzten, als sie auf den Boden fielen.verb
The water balloons burst when they hit the ground.
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