zerrüttet

shattered, broken-down

adjective tser-RUET-et Rare

Also means

irreparably ruined (of relationships)

Usage Note

Zerrüttet describes complete breakdown — used of health, nerves, marriages, or finances. Eine zerrüttete Ehe (a broken marriage) is the standard legal phrase in German divorce proceedings. It implies irreparable disintegration rather than mere damage.

Examples

"Nach Jahren des Streits war die Ehe vollständig zerrüttet."

Natural Translation

After years of quarrelling the marriage was completely broken.

Literal Translation

After years of arguing the marriage was completely shattered.

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