Scheidung
/ˈʃaɪ̯dʊŋ/feminine
The English phrase divorce is translated into German as Scheidung. Wiktionary also lists Ehescheidung.
Meaning: legal dissolution of a marriage (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Scheidung | /ˈʃaɪ̯dʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Ehescheidung | /ˈeːəˌʃaɪ̯dʊŋ/ | feminine |
The noun Scheidung is used to mean divorce. For the specific legal process of the dissolution of a marriage, the formal term Auflösung der Ehe can also be used.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun Scheidung is derived from the verb scheiden, which means to separate, part or divide.
Which one should you use?
While Scheidung is the common word for divorce, Ehescheidung is a more formal, technical term specifically meaning 'marriage divorce'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃaɪ̯dʊŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use scheiden to mean 'to divorce someone'. In modern German, scheiden is rarely used transitively in this way. Instead, you should use sich scheiden lassen to describe the act of undergoing a divorce.
Did you know?
- The expression scheiden is used in the archaic or poetic phrase von der Welt scheiden, which is a euphemism for dying.
- The verb scheiden shares a root with the English word 'schism', which describes a split or division within a church or organization.
- While Scheidung means divorce, the word Scheideweg describes a 'crossroads' where one must make a life-changing decision.
Examples in context
- Sie will die Scheidung.She wants a divorce.Tatoeba #951589 by Sudajaengi, translation #1857547 by Spamster
- Ich will die Scheidung.I want a divorce.Tatoeba #1857784 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1857546 by Spamster
- Die Scheidung war kompliziert.The divorce was complicated.Tatoeba #8288914 by GuidoW, translation #12180793 by sundown
- Nach langjährigen Problemen haben sie sich endlich zur Scheidung entschieden.After many years of issues, they have finally decided on divorce.
- Wir haben uns vor zwei Jahren getrennt, aber die Scheidung ist noch nicht abgeschlossen.We separated two years ago, but the divorce is not yet finalized.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are discussing a mutual friend's news.
- JulianHast du gehört? Marc und Lisa beantragen die Scheidung.Have you heard? Marc and Lisa are filing for divorce.
- SarahWirklich? Das kommt jetzt sehr überraschend.Really? That comes as a big surprise.
- JulianJa, aber die Scheidung ist wohl die beste Lösung.Yes, but the divorce is probably the best solution.
- SarahDas ist schade, aber ich hoffe, es geht ihnen gut.That's a pity, but I hope they are doing well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “divorce” translations and entries Scheidung, Ehescheidung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ehescheidung, Scheidung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
