scheitern
Translation
to fail, to break down, to fall through
Examples
Der Plan ist leider gescheitert.
Unfortunately, the plan failed.
Er ist mit seinem Projekt gescheitert.
He failed with his project.
Die Verhandlungen sind an der Geldfrage gescheitert.
The negotiations failed over the issue of money.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) scheitert sth. fails Unfortunately, the plan failed.
((mit+3)) scheitern to fail with sth. He failed with his project.
((an+3)) scheitern to fail because of sth. The negotiations failed over the issue of money.
Similar Words
Synonyms: misslingen, fehlschlagen; Antonyms: gelingen (to succeed), Erfolg haben (to have success)
Etymology
Related to `Scheit` ('log, piece of wood'). The original image is of a ship breaking apart on rocks, turning into pieces of wood (`Scheiter`).
Memory Tips
Picture a ship being 'shattered' on the rocks. The sound of 'shatter' is similar to 'scheitern'.