Absturz
(m)
ˈapʃtʊʁts
"Absturz" covers a sudden fall from a great height, the unexpected failure of a computer system, and the figurative collapse of a career or market. The right English equivalent shifts depending on the domain.
1. crash
The default translation for a physical crash: aircraft, vehicle, or any sudden violent fall from a height.
Die genaue Ursache des Absturzes konnte erst nach wochenlanger Analyse der Flugschreiberdaten festgestellt werden.
The exact cause of the crash could only be determined after weeks of analyzing the flight recorder data.
Beim Absturz des Kleinflugzeugs in den Bergsee kamen alle vier Insassen ums Leben.
All four occupants were killed in the crash of the light aircraft into the mountain lake.
2. crash
[technical]
· computing
In computing contexts, this refers to the unexpected and complete failure of an application or operating system.
Der Absturz des Browsers hat alle nicht gespeicherten Tabs unwiderruflich gelöscht.
The browser crash permanently wiped all unsaved tabs.
Nach dem Absturz des Systems wurden automatisch Fehlerprotokolle an den Hersteller übermittelt.
After the system crash, error logs were automatically sent to the manufacturer.
3. downfall
· figurative
Used for the figurative collapse of a person, career, or institution (emphasizing failure after a peak).
Der Korruptionsskandal besiegelte den politischen Absturz des langjährigen Ministers.
The corruption scandal sealed the long-serving minister's political downfall.
Ihr Absturz vom gefeierten Star zur Bedeutungslosigkeit vollzog sich innerhalb weniger Monate.
Her downfall from celebrated star to obscurity played out within just a few months.
Notes
"Fall" alone often understates the word: "Absturz" implies suddenness and impact, not just a stumble. Figuratively, "downfall" suits people and careers, while "crash" or "collapse" fits markets and financial systems better; "the market's downfall" sounds unidiomatic compared to "the market crash".