Meaning 1neutral · 82%
To tear something into pieces by force, or to split apart under pulling or tension.
Natural examples
Der Hund zerriss den Brief in mehrere Stücke.
The dog tore the letter into several pieces.
Unter der starken Belastung ist das Seil zerrissen.
The rope tore under the heavy strain.
Sie zerriss das alte Foto und warf es weg.
She tore up the old photograph and threw it away.
Usage note
zerreißen is strong: zerriss, zerrissen. It takes haben with an accusative object; when something itself tears, it takes sein.
Mini-lesson: zerreißen
To tear something into pieces by force, or to split apart under pulling or tension. zerreißen is strong: zerriss, zerrissen. It takes haben with an accusative object; when something itself tears, it takes sein.
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