Sensenmann
/ˈzɛnzənˌman/masculine
The English phrase 'grim reaper' can be translated into German as Sensenmann. Wiktionary also lists Gevatter Tod and Schnitter.
Meaning: personification of Death (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sensenmann | /ˈzɛnzənˌman/ /ˈsɛnsɛnˌman/ |
masculine |
| Gevatter Tod | /ɡəˌfatɐˈtoːt/ | masculine |
| Schnitter | /ˈʃnɪtər/ | masculine |
| Todesengel | masculine | |
| Quiqui | /kviˈkviː/ | masculine |
| Freund Hein | /frɔʏ̯nt haɪ̯n/ | masculine |
| Schlafes Bruder | masculine |
All these terms refer to the personification of Death.
What does it mean word for word?
Sensenmann is a compound word consisting of Sense (scythe) and Mann (man).
Which one should you use?
While Sensenmann emphasizes the harvesting tool, Todesengel (angel of death) emphasizes a more spiritual or divine messenger aspect. Gevatter Tod uses an archaic term for a godparent to personify death as a familiar, albeit grim, acquaintance. Freund Hein serves as a personified, literary euphemism for death used to soften the subject.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Sensenmann can be used informally. For a more poetic or dated feel, you might use Gevatter Tod or Freund Hein. Quiqui is a humorous and informal way to refer to the figure.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided forms are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɛnzənˌman/
Did you know?
- While Sensenmann is the standard term, the name Freund Hein personifies death as a generic 'friend' named Henry to make the concept less frightening.
- The term Schlafes Bruder personifies death by calling him the 'brother of sleep', a poetic way to link the two states.
- The term Gevatter Tod was popularized by an 1812 folk tale in which Death actually agrees to become the godfather of a poor man's youngest child.
Examples in context
- Manche Leute behaupten, dass der Sensenmann in einer alten Gruft wohnt.Some people claim that the Grim Reaper lives in an old crypt.
- Hast du schon mal den Sensenknecht bei einer Verkleidungsparty gesehen?Have you ever seen someone dressed up as the Grim Reaper at a costume party?
- Der Sensenmann holt die Menschen.The grim reaper fetches people.
- In dem Film erscheint der Sensenmann.The grim reaper appears in the movie.
- Sie hat Angst vor dem Sensenmann.She is afraid of the grim reaper.
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a scary story.
- SarahHast du Angst vor dem Sensenmann?Are you afraid of the grim reaper?
- MaximilianNein, das ist nur eine Legende.No, that is just a legend.
- SarahIch finde die Figur trotzdem gruselig.I still find the figure creepy.
- MaximilianIch stimme dir da zu, Sarah.I agree with you there, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grim reaper” translations and entries Sensenmann, Gevatter Tod, Schnitter, Todesengel, Quiqui, Freund Hein, Schlafes Bruder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gevatter, Gevatter Tod, Schnitter, Sensenmann, Tod, Todesengel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
