Zerrüttet

Zerrüttet is a German adjective that describes something in a state of ruin, disorder, or broken apart. It is commonly used for relationships, institutions, or material conditions that have lost cohesion or stability due to conflict, stress, or external pressures. The term emphasizes damage to structure and functioning rather than mere imperfection.

Etymology: The word is formed with the prefix zer- (or zerr-) indicating destruction or breaking apart, from the verb zerrütteln, which in turn relates to rütteln (to shake). Thus zerrüttet literally means "shaken apart" or "ruined."

Usage: Zerrüttet is used in formal and journalistic language to describe fragile situations: zerrüttete Ehen, zerrüttete Verhältnisse, zerrüttete Finanzen, zerrüttete politische Verhältnisse. It implies ongoing instability rather than a completed state. It can describe social, economic, or administrative conditions.

Grammar and examples: As an adjective, zerrüttet can be attributive (eine zerrüttete Beziehung) or predicative (Die Beziehung ist zerrüttet). The corresponding noun is Zerrüttung.

See also: Zerrüttung, Zerfall, Instabilität.

Beispiele: Die Ehe ist zerrüttet. Die Verhältnisse im Unternehmen sind zerrüttet. Die Finanzen des Staates waren zerrüttet.