ich bin am Boden zerstört
The English phrase "I am devastated" is translated into German as ich bin am Boden zerstört.
This idiom is used to express profound emotional devastation, such as after a major loss or a crushing disappointment.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase am Boden zerstört literally translates to "destroyed on the ground".
Did you know?
- The word zerstört comes from the root stören, which in modern German usually means 'to disturb' or 'to interrupt'.
- The German word Boden is a cognate of the English word 'bottom'.
- While am Boden zerstört describes extreme grief, Germans also use am Boden sein to simply mean being exhausted or physically worn out.
Examples in context
- Nach den schrecklichen Nachrichten bin ich zutiefst erschüttert.After the terrible news, I am deeply devastated.
- Die zerstörerischen Auswirkungen des Vulkanausbruchs brechen mir das Herz.The devastating impact of the volcanic eruption breaks my heart.
- Die Trennung von meinem Partner hat mir das Herz gebrochen.The breakup with my partner has broken my heart.
- Nachdem ich meinen Job verloren habe, bin ich total am Boden zerstört.After losing my job, I am totally devastated.
- Ich bin am Boden zerstört wegen der Nachricht.I am devastated by the news.
- Ich bin am Boden zerstört über das Ergebnis.I am devastated about the result.
Example conversation
Hannah tells Maximilian that she lost her job.
- HannahMaximilian, ich bin am Boden zerstört.Maximilian, I am devastated.
- MaximilianDas tut mir so leid für dich, Hannah.I am so sorry for you, Hannah.
- HannahIch weiß gar nicht, was ich tun soll.I don't even know what to do.
- MaximilianWir finden sicher eine Lösung.We will surely find a solution.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Boden, bin, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
