die  Einsturzgefahr

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪnʃtʊʁtsɡəˌfaːɐ̯/

📖 What does "die Einsturzgefahr" mean?

Die Einsturzgefahr (feminine noun) refers to the risk or danger of collapse concerning a building, structure, or part thereof.

It's a serious warning indicating potential structural weaknesses.

• Article: die
• Meaning: Risk of collapse

⚠️ This word is almost exclusively used in the singular because it describes an abstract danger. The plural form is very uncommon.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Einsturzgefahr

The word "Einsturzgefahr" is a feminine noun.

Note: The plural ("die Einsturzgefahren") is grammatically possible but extremely rare in practice, as people usually refer to a specific danger or the danger in general.

Example Sentences

1. Wegen akuter Einsturzgefahr wurde das alte Gebäude gesperrt.
   (The old building was closed due to acute risk of collapse.)
2. Das Schild warnt vor Einsturzgefahr in der Mine.
   (The sign warns of the risk of collapse in the mine.)
3. Der Statiker prüft, ob Einsturzgefahr besteht.
   (The structural engineer checks if there is a risk of collapse.)

🗣️ How "Einsturzgefahr" is used

"Die Einsturzgefahr" is primarily used in contexts related to the safety of buildings, bridges, tunnels, mines, or other structures.

• Warnings: Often found on signs or in official notices (e.g., "Betreten verboten – Einsturzgefahr!" - Entry forbidden – Risk of collapse!).
• Reports: In news or expert reports about dilapidated or damaged structures.
• Risk Assessment: In civil engineering and architecture to describe potential risks.

It is a specific term clearly naming the risk of a collapse, as opposed to more general terms like "Gefahr" (danger) or "Risiko" (risk).

🧠 Mnemonics for Einsturzgefahr

Article Mnemonic: Think of die Gefahr (the danger). "Einsturzgefahr" is a specific type of danger, so it keeps the feminine article die.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine something einstürzt (collapses inward) and the Gefahr (danger) it poses. Einsturz + Gefahr = Einsturzgefahr (danger of collapsing inward).

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Risk of Confusion

Sometimes "Einsturzgefahr" might be confused with more general dangers. However, it specifically denotes the risk of structural failure.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat das Spukhaus nie Einsturzgefahr?
Weil die Geister es zusammenhalten!

(Why is the haunted house never in danger of collapsing?
Because the ghosts hold it together!)

📜 A Short Poem

Die Mauer bröckelt, alt und grau,
Ein Riss zieht sich, man sieht's genau.
Der Putz fällt sacht, ein leises Knacken,
Die Einsturzgefahr packt uns im Nacken.
Drum geh nicht nah, halt Abstand fein,
Sonst könnt's dein letzter Schritt hier sein.

(The wall is crumbling, old and grey,
A crack runs through, clear as day.
The plaster falls, a gentle sound,
The risk of collapse is all around.
So don't go near, keep distance right,
Or it might be your final plight.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin eine Warnung, meist auf Rot und Weiß,
Vor alten Mauern oder bröckelndem Eis.
Ich sag' dir: "Pass auf, es kracht gleich ein!"
Was bin ich, sag's mir, sei nicht zu klein?

(I am a warning, mostly red and white,
Near old walls or crumbling ice's sight.
I tell you: "Watch out, it will soon crash down!"
What am I, tell me, don't be a clown?)

Solution: die Einsturzgefahr (the risk of collapse)

💡 More to Know

Word Composition:

"Einsturzgefahr" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Einsturz: The noun form of the verb "einstürzen" (to collapse).
• Die Gefahr: The danger, the risk, the threat.

The determinant word ("Einsturz") specifies the base word ("Gefahr"). So, it's the specific danger of a collapse.

🚨 In many countries, there are legal regulations requiring property owners to take safety measures or close off buildings when there is a risk of collapse (Einsturzgefahr).