VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
verb

zusammenfallen

collapse

Definition & meaning

zusammenfallen is a separable German verb with several related meanings:

  1. To collapse or cave in: to fall down, usually because something loses support or stability. It can describe buildings, structures, or a person who collapses.
  2. To coincide: for two events, dates, or periods to happen at the same time.
  3. To coincide or be identical: for two things to match or correspond closely, such as opinions or results.
  4. To shrink or deflate: to lose volume or form, as with a balloon or a soufflé.

Grammar & Word origin

The verb combines zusammen (“together”) and fallen (“to fall”).

It is separable: in a main clause, the prefix moves to the end. Its forms include fällt zusammen , fiel zusammen , and ist zusammengefallen . It forms the perfect tense with sein.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms depend on the meaning:

  • einstürzen means “to cave in” or “to collapse,” especially of a building or structure; it is more specifically about structural failure.
  • kollabieren means “to collapse,” often referring to a person or a system; it can sound more technical.
  • übereinstimmen means “to agree” or “to match.” It emphasizes correspondence rather than events happening at the same time.
  • sich überschneiden [?](vocabuo://word/sich überschneiden) means “to overlap,” particularly in time or content; it does not necessarily mean the things coincide completely.

Possible antonyms also vary by sense:

  • stehen bleiben [?](vocabuo://word/stehen bleiben) (“to remain standing”) contrasts with physically collapsing.
  • auseinanderfallen (“to fall apart”) contrasts with coming together or coinciding.
  • auseinanderliegen (“to be far apart or differ”) contrasts with dates or things coinciding.

Common phrases & collocations

  • mit einem Termin zusammenfallen — to coincide with an appointment
  • zeitlich zusammenfallen — to occur at the same time
  • in sich zusammenfallen — to collapse inward or crumple
  • wie ein Kartenhaus zusammenfallen — to collapse like a house of cards

Make “zusammenfallen” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Die alten Häuser fallen zusammen.verb

The old houses are collapsing.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play