How to say that something isn't working in German

Useful German Word of the Day: “klappen” – This German word is often used to express that something is working, working out or functioning as intended:

“Der Plan klappt nicht.” – “The plan isn’t working.”
“Klappt es um 15:00 Uhr?” – “Does 3pm work?”
“Das wird nie klappen.” – “That will never work.”
“Es klappt hervorragend!” – i.e. “It works like a charm!”

“klappen” actually means “to flap”, “to fold” or “to click” – as when opening a laptop (“aufklappen”) or closing a Swiss army knife (“zuklappen”).


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