Zerstörtet

Zerstörtet is a German past participle, derived from the verb zerstören, meaning "to destroy". In grammar, it functions as an adjective or part of a passive construction, describing a state of being destroyed. It is typically used after auxiliary verbs like "sein" (to be) in passive voice structures, as seen in examples such as "Die Stadt wurde zerstörtet" (The city was destroyed). It can also serve as a past participle in compound tenses, though modern German syntax often places the main verb in the second position, so constructions like "Ich habe zerstörtet" are less common. The term is part of standard German vocabulary, employed in both formal and informal contexts to convey destruction or damage. Related forms include the present participle "zerstörend" (destroying) and the infinitive "zerstören" (to destroy).