kaputt

kaputter · am kaputtesten
Based on: *kaput-
Goethe A1 Adjective
  1. broken
  2. exhausted
1.

broken

Opposite: ganz
(For devices and also friendships or relationships. But it doesn't sound idiomatic for hearts. The origin of the meaning is a French expression that was about being incapacitated by having a cape over your eyes.)
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Examples
  • Mein [something] ist kaputt.
  • My [something] is broken.
  • Practice pronunciation - click once to start recording and again to stop
2.

exhausted

(Colloquial term for being really tired.)
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Word Family

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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

The 2 meanings of ” ganz”

A fun look at the meanings of "ganz", its super common use as intensifier, a really random twist. And my toilet paper situation #notgood

Read article →

Questions and Comments

Do you have questions about the usage or meaning of “kaputt”? Just ask here and I’ll try to clear it up.

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2 Comments
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xv
xv

So i’ve been using zerbrochen for things like windows. Can you say “Das Fenster ist kapput” to mean specifically the window pane? or “das Weinglas ist kapput”

I’m guessing kapput might not be so idiomatic with glass stuff and “Das Fenster ist kapput” might more suggest the handle / frame or something is broken?

Last edited 2 years ago by xv
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Emanuel
Author
Emanuel
Reply to  xv

Absolutely. “kaputte Fenster” is 100% idiomatic and “kaputte Gläser/Flaschen” is too.

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How many meanings does the German word 'kaputt' have?

kaputt has 2 distinct meanings: 1. broken , 2. exhausted.

What is the comparative and superlative of 'kaputt'?

comparative: kaputter / superlative: am kaputtesten

What is 'kaputt' related to?

The word 'kaputt' is related to *kaput-.

Where can I learn more about 'kaputt'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'kaputt':

The 2 meanings of ” ganz”
A fun look at the meanings of "ganz", its super common use as intensifier, a really random twist. And my toilet paper situation #notgood
Read article