Usage Note
verfault describes organic material — wood, food, teeth — that has decomposed through bacterial decay. Slightly stronger than verrottet; often used of verfaulte Holzbalken in old buildings.
Examples
"Die verfaulten Balken im Dachboden mussten sofort ausgetauscht werden."
Natural Translation
The rotted beams in the attic had to be replaced immediately.
Literal Translation
The rotted beams in the attic had to be exchanged immediately.
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