Are you looking to expand your German vocabulary? Learning how to say “broken” in German is a useful skill to have in everyday conversations. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this word, along with a few tips and examples to help you better understand its usage.
1. Formal Ways to Say Broken:
When it comes to formal situations or interactions, the German language offers several options to convey the meaning of “broken.” Here are some commonly used phrases:
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1.1 “Kaputt”
The most common and straightforward way to say “broken” in German is by using the word “kaputt.” This term can be applied to various objects or things that are damaged or no longer functioning properly. Let’s see a few examples:
Der Stuhl ist kaputt. (The chair is broken.)
Die Waschmaschine ist kaputt. (The washing machine is broken.)
1.2 “Defekt”
Another formal term you can use to express “broken” is “defekt.” This word specifically emphasizes that something is not working correctly or experiencing a malfunction. Here are a couple of examples:
Die Klimaanlage ist defekt. (The air conditioner is broken.)
Das Gerät ist defekt. (The device is broken.)
1.3 “Beschädigt”
If you want to convey the idea of something being damaged instead of completely broken, you can use the word “beschädigt.” This term is often used in formal contexts to describe objects that have experienced partial damage:
Der Spiegel ist beschädigt. (The mirror is damaged.)
Das Bild ist leicht beschädigt. (The picture is slightly damaged.)
2. Informal Ways to Say Broken:
Informal situations call for more casual expressions and phrases. Here are some alternatives you can use:
2.1 “Kaputt”
Just like in formal contexts, “kaputt” is widely used in informal conversations to describe things that are broken or not functioning correctly. It’s versatile and commonly understood:
Mein Handy ist kaputt. (My phone is broken.)
Die Fernbedienung ist kaputt. (The remote control is broken.)
2.2 “Im Eimer”
In colloquial German, you might hear the phrase “im Eimer” to express that something is broken or no longer usable. This informal expression is the equivalent of the English phrase “in the bin” or “down the drain.” Here are a few examples:
Der Laptop ist im Eimer. (The laptop is broken.)
Unsere Pläne sind im Eimer. (Our plans are ruined.)
3. Regional Variations:
German is spoken in different regions, and occasionally, you might come across some regional variations when it comes to expressing “broken.” While the variations might not significantly impact comprehension, here’s one example:
3.1 “Kaputtgemacht” (Ruhr Area Dialect)
In the dialect spoken in the Ruhr Area of Germany, a regional variation of “kaputt” is “kaputtgemacht.” This phrase is more frequently used to emphasize the act of breaking or damaging something:
Ich habe das Glas kaputtgemacht. (I broke the glass.)
Wir haben den Zaun kaputtgemacht. (We damaged the fence.)
4. Tips for Learning and Using These Phrases:
- Vocabulary Practice: To familiarize yourself with the different terms for “broken” in German, create flashcards or use vocabulary apps.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to the context in which these phrases are used to better understand their nuances and appropriate usage.
- Listening and Speaking: Practice listening to native speakers pronounce these words and try incorporating them into your conversations.
- Online Language Resources: Utilize language learning websites, forums, and online communities to ask questions and get feedback on your language skills.
- Keep Cultural Differences in Mind: While it’s essential to learn the vocabulary, understanding cultural differences will help you use these phrases appropriately.
Whether you need to express “broken” in a formal or informal setting, these phrases will help you effectively communicate in German. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to context, and embrace the cultural aspects of the language. Viel Glück! (Good luck!)
