Verwüstung
/fɛʁˈvyːstʊŋ/feminine
The English word 'havoc' can be translated into German as Verwüstung. Wiktionary also lists Zerstörung.
Meaning: devastation (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Verwüstung | /fɛʁˈvyːstʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Zerstörung | feminine |
Both Verwüstung and Zerstörung are used to express the idea of havoc, but they focus on different aspects of devastation. Verwüstung emphasizes a chaotic, messy or widespread devastation. To express the English idiom 'to wreak havoc', German speakers often use the phrase für Verwüstung sorgen, which literally means 'to provide for/ensure devastation'.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to devastation, Zerstörung is a more general term for destruction. In contrast, Verwüstung implies a more chaotic, messy or widespread devastation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Verwüstung and Zerstörung are feminine nouns, meaning they take the feminine article die in the nominative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛʁˈvyːstʊŋ/
Did you know?
- If you want to describe someone who is a 'source of havoc' in a more colloquial way, you might call them a Unruhestifter, which literally translates to 'disturber of rest'.
- The word Verwüstung contains the root Wüst, which is the same root found in the English word 'waste' and the German word 'Wüste', meaning 'desert'.
- The phrase für Verwüstung sorgen is so common that it can be used ironically to describe a toddler's messy playtime or a clumsy pet.
Examples in context
- Die Goldene Horde brachte Zerstörung und Tod über ganz Eurasien.The Golden Horde wreaked havoc and death all around Eurasia.This sentence shows how Zerstörung can be used to describe widespread destruction and death.Tatoeba #3707522 by Sicaria, translation #3707464 by Sanaseppo
- Hagelkörner, groß wie Golfbälle, haben über Nacht für Verwüstung in der Stadt gesorgt.Hailstones the size of golf balls wreaked havoc on the city overnight.This sentence demonstrates the use of Verwüstung to describe the chaos caused by a natural event.Tatoeba #3663708 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3663704 by patgfisher
- Nach dem Sturm sah man nur noch VerwüstungAfter the storm, only devastation could be seen
- Die Demonstration führte zu großer Unordnung in der StadtThe protest caused a lot of disorder in the city
- Hier herrscht totale ZerstörungThere is complete havoc here
- Die Naturkatastrophe hat in der Stadt großes Chaos hinterlassen.The natural disaster left behind great chaos in the city.
- Die Party hat im Wohnzimmer eine totale Zerstörung angerichtet.The party caused total havoc in the living room.
- Der Streik hat in der Fabrik einen unglaublichen Wirrwarr verursacht.The strike caused an incredible mess in the factory.
- Der Sturm hinterließ eine enorme Verwüstung im Garten.The storm left behind enormous devastation in the garden.
Example conversation
A couple is looking at their damaged garden after a storm.
- JulianSchau dir das an, Sarah!Look at this, Sarah!
- SarahEs ist eine totale Verwüstung hier.It is a total devastation here.
- JulianAlle unsere Pflanzen sind kaputt.All our plants are destroyed.
- SarahDas ist wirklich sehr traurig.That is truly very sad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “havoc” translations and entries Verwüstung, Zerstörung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
