German Phrase
Irgendwas ist kaputt.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe a situation where an object, device, or system has stopped functioning correctly. The word 'irgendwas' is a common colloquial contraction of 'irgendetwas', making the sentence sound more natural and informal.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice a malfunction but aren't yet sure exactly what the problem is. It is perfect for household issues, car trouble, or electronic glitches.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Irgendwasistkaputt
Irgendwas
A colloquial shortening of 'irgendetwas', used to refer to an indefinite thing.
ist
The third-person singular present tense of 'sein' (to be).
kaputt
An adjective that describes a state of being broken or out of order; it does not change its form when used with 'ist'.
🗨In Conversation
Warum geht der Fernseher nicht an?
Why won't the TV turn on?
Ich weiß nicht, irgendwas ist kaputt.
I don't know, something is broken.
✕Common Mistakes
Irgendwas ist gebrochen.
Use 'kaputt' for malfunctions; 'gebrochen' is typically reserved for bones or objects literally snapped in half.
Etwas ist kaputtet.
'Kaputt' is an adjective, not a verb. You cannot conjugate it.
↔Alternatives
Etwas funktioniert nicht.
Something isn't working.
Es ist defekt.
It is defective.
Cultural Tip
While 'kaputt' is used everywhere in daily life, you will see 'Außer Betrieb' on official signs or 'Defekt' in technical reports. Germans value precision, so once you find the specific part that failed, you would name it directly.