der  Kollaps

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/koˈlaps/

📉 What does "der Kollaps" mean?

Der Kollaps describes a sudden and often unexpected breakdown or failure. It can refer to various systems:

• 🩺 Medically: A circulatory collapse (*Kreislaufkollaps*) or nervous breakdown (*Nervenkollaps*), meaning a sudden failure of bodily functions (e.g., fainting).
• 🏛️ Systemically/Economically: The breakdown of a system, e.g., an economic collapse (*Wirtschaftskollaps*), a traffic collapse (*Verkehrskollaps*), or the collapse of a structure (e.g., a bridge).
• ⭐ Astronomically: The collapse of a star under its own gravity.

The word implies a certain severity and finality to the breakdown. ⚠️ *It's important to consider the context to understand the precise meaning.*

🧐 Grammar of "der Kollaps" in Detail

"Kollaps" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural)

The plural "die Kollapse" is used less frequently but is grammatically correct, especially when referring to multiple individual events.

Example Sentences

1. Der Arzt diagnostizierte einen leichten Kollaps.
   (The doctor diagnosed a slight collapse.)
2. Die Wirtschaft erlebte nach der Krise einen schweren Kollaps.
   (The economy experienced a severe collapse after the crisis.)
3. Wir müssen einen Kollaps des Ökosystems verhindern.
   (We must prevent a collapse of the ecosystem.)
4. Nach dem Spiel erlitt der Läufer einen völligen Kollaps.
   (After the game, the runner suffered a complete collapse.)

💡 How is "der Kollaps" used?

"Der Kollaps" is used to describe a sudden, often dramatic, breakdown.

• Medical Context: Frequently used for sudden fainting or weakness (*Kreislaufkollaps*, *Nervenkollaps*).
• Economic/Political Context: Describes system failures (*Wirtschaftskollaps*, *Regierungskollaps* - government collapse).
• Technical/Infrastructure Context: Failure of structures or systems (*Brückenkollaps* - bridge collapse, *Verkehrskollaps* - traffic collapse).
• Figurative Sense: Can also refer to the breakdown of plans or hopes, although *Scheitern* (failure) or *Zusammenbruch* (breakdown) are often more common here.

Comparison with "Zusammenbruch":

*Der Zusammenbruch* is a more general term for falling apart or ceasing to function. *Der Kollaps* is often more specific and implies greater suddenness and severity, especially in medical contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Kollaps"

Remembering the Article (der):

Imagine Sir Collapse (a masculine figure) dramatically falling down. 'Sir' helps remember the masculine article der.

Remembering the Meaning (Collapse):

"Kollaps" sounds very similar to the English word "collapse". Think of something physically collapsing, like a building or a person fainting.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Der Lapsus: A (minor) slip-up, a slip of the tongue. Sounds similar but means something completely different!

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Luftballon einen Kollaps erlitten?

Weil ihm die Luft ausging und er die Spannung nicht mehr halten konnte! 😉🎈

(Why did the balloon suffer a collapse?
Because it ran out of air and couldn't maintain the tension anymore!)

📜 Poem about Collapse

Ein System, einst stark und groß,
Verlor den Halt, ganz haltlos bloß.
Ein Riss, ein Knacks, dann fiel es schnell,
Der Kollaps kam, jäh und grell.
Was einst gebaut mit Müh und Fleiß,
Liegt nun darnieder, kalt wie Eis.

(A system, once strong and grand,
Lost its footing, couldn't stand.
A crack, a snap, then fast it fell,
The collapse came, sudden and hell.
What once was built with toil and care,
Now lies defeated, cold as air.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich komme plötzlich, ohne Warnung oft,
Bring Systeme oder Körper sanft oder grob zum Stopp.
Medizinisch, wirtschaftlich, manchmal auch ein Stern,
Mein Name klingt nach Fallen, hörst du's gern? Wer bin ich?

(I often come suddenly, without warning,
Bringing systems or bodies to a gentle or rough halt.
Medical, economic, sometimes even a star,
My name sounds like falling, do you hear it near or far?

Who am I?)

Solution: der Kollaps (the collapse)

🌐 Other Interesting Info

Word Origin: The word "Kollaps" comes from the Latin verb collabi, meaning "to fall together" or "to collapse" (past participle: collapsus).

Common Compounds:

• Der Kreislaufkollaps: Circulatory collapse.
• Der Nervenkollaps: Nervous breakdown (severe mental or physical exhaustion).
• Der Hitzekollaps: Heat collapse/exhaustion.
• Der Wirtschaftskollaps: Economic collapse.
• Der Verkehrskollaps: Traffic collapse (complete standstill).