zerrissen
torn · tear
Wenn jemand oder etwas kaputt ist, weil es an mehreren Stellen aufgerissen wurde. Es kann auch heißen, dass jemand innerlich sehr unsicher und mit sich nicht im Reinen ist.
The German word "zerrissen" is an adjective or past participle of the verb "zerreißen", which means "to tear apart" or "to rip". It comes from the verb "reißen" meaning "to tear," with the prefix "zer-" indicating a destructive or thorough action.
"Zerrissen" literally means "torn" or "shredded," and can be used both physically (e.g., torn paper) and figuratively (e.g., torn feelings or relationships).
Similar words:
- zerrupft (tattered, ragged)
- zerfetzt (ripped to shreds)
- zerkleinert (crushed, broken into pieces)
Difference:
- Zerrissen emphasizes something torn or split apart, often implying separate pieces held together weakly or not at all.
- Zerrupft often applies more to a messy or uneven tearing, common with something like hair or fabric.
- Zerfetzt implies more violent or complete destruction.
- Zerkleinert means broken down into smaller parts, but not necessarily torn.
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Examples
Das Hemd des Mannes ist zerrissen.adjective
The man's shirt is torn.
Nach dem langen Tag wurde mein T-Shirt völlig zerrissen.adjective
After the long day, my T-shirt was completely torn.
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