zerschellen
shatter · smash · crash
The German word "zerschellen" is a verb meaning "to shatter" or "to smash to pieces". It consists of:
- "zer": a prefix indicating destruction or breaking apart,
- "schellen": originally related to "schlagen" (to strike/hit).
Zerschellen is often used when something breaks violently upon impact, like a ship against rocks.
Similar words:
- zerbrechen (to break),
- zerschlagen (to smash),
- kaputtgehen (to break down).
Differences:
- Zerschellen implies a violent, often accidental shattering upon collision.
- Zerbrechen is more general (can be less violent and intentional).
- Zerschlagen suggests deliberate smashing.
- Kaputtgehen is broader, meaning simply to break or become unusable.
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Examples
Die Wellen zerschellen an den Felsen.verb
The waves shatter against the rocks.
Das kleine Boot zerschellte im Sturm an der Küste.verb
The small boat smashed against the coast in the storm.
Wird das Flugzeug an der steilen Klippe zerschellen?verb
Will the airplane crash against the steep cliff?
Bei dem starken Aufprall zerschellten die Glasflaschen sofort.verb
In the strong impact the glass bottles shattered immediately.
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