zerstört
The English phrase 'wrecked' can be translated into German as zerstört.
zerstört is used to mean physically or metaphorically destroyed or wrecked. Unlike the English word 'wrecked', which can sometimes be used colloquially to mean being very intoxicated, zerstört is used more seriously to mean physically or metaphorically destroyed.
Meaning: destroyed in an accident (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix zer- in zerstört indicates a process of breaking something apart or into pieces.
How does it change in a sentence?
zerstört is the past participle of the verb zerstören and is used here as an adjective meaning 'destroyed'.
Did you know?
- While zerstört describes the state of being wrecked, Germans use the word Kater (meaning 'male cat') to describe the feeling of being wrecked by a hangover.
- In German, the prefix zer- is a specialized 'destructivizer' that can be added to many verbs to show things are being smashed or torn apart, such as zerreißen for 'to tear to pieces'.
- When a person is emotionally 'wrecked' by grief, Germans might use am Boden zerstört, which literally translates to being 'destroyed on the floor'.
Examples in context
- Der Zusammenstoß zerstörte mein Auto.My car was wrecked in the crash.Tatoeba #4006712 by Esperantostern, translation #4021912 by hellosunshine
- Toms Rauschgiftsucht hat seine Ehe zerstört.Tom's drug addiction wrecked his marriage.Tatoeba #10298634 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10298630 by CK
- Der Sturm hat das Haus zerstört.The storm wrecked the house.
- Die Krankheit hat ihre Gesundheit vollständig zerstört.The illness completely wrecked her health.
- Ich habe gestern viel zu viel getrunken. Ich war total kaputt!I drank way too much yesterday. I was completely wrecked!
- Das Auto ist nach dem Unfall komplett zerstört.The car is completely wrecked after the accident.
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are discussing a car accident.
- LukasIst dein Wagen nach dem Unfall zerstört?Is your car wrecked after the accident?
- JuliaJa, er ist leider völlig zerstört.Yes, it is unfortunately completely wrecked.
- LukasDas tut mir sehr leid, Julia.I am very sorry to hear that, Julia.
- JuliaDanke, Lukas, aber es ist nur ein Auto.Thanks, Lukas, but it is only a car.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zerstört, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
