verstorben
/fɛʁˈʃtɔʁbn̩/
The German phrase for 'passed away' is verstorben.
verstorben is a common and neutral term used to convey the passing of someone. It serves as a polite euphemism.
Which one should you use?
While verstorben is a polite euphemism, the word gestorben is the neutral, direct way to say 'died'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
verstorben is used in formal contexts, such as obituaries or when speaking respectfully to grieving families. Other formal expressions include entschlafen, which focuses on the idea that the person has found eternal rest and heimgegangen, which is often used in religious contexts emphasizing that the person has departed to a better place.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛʁˈʃtɔʁbn̩/
Did you know?
- The word verstorben shares a root with starr, meaning 'rigid' or 'stiff'. This links the polite euphemism to the physical rigidity of a body after death.
- In very traditional German mourning culture, the term verscheiden was used to imply a 'separation' of the soul from the body.
- In German bureaucracy and law, verstorben is used not just as a euphemism but as a technical term to denote a person's legal status as deceased.
Examples in context
- Sein Vater ist verstorben.His father passed away.This sentence shows how to use verstorben to state that someone's father has passed away.Tatoeba #8599448 by Roujin, translation #8171882 by CH
- Ich hörte, Tom sei verstorben.I heard that Tom has passed away.This sentence illustrates the use of verstorben when reporting that someone has passed away.Tatoeba #7427977 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6346348 by CK
- Sie träumt oft von Verstorbenen.She often dreams about people who have passed away.This sentence demonstrates how Verstorbenen is used to refer to people who have passed away.Tatoeba #2942139 by al_ex_an_der, translation #13797198 by rul
- Es tut mir leid Ihnen mitzuteilen, dass Herr Müller vor wenigen Tagen verstorben ist.I'm sorry to inform you that Mr. Müller passed away a few days ago.
- Mit großer Trauer informieren wir Sie, dass Frau Schmidt von uns heimgegangen ist.With great sadness, we inform you that Mrs. Schmidt has passed away.
- Es tut mir leid zu hören, dass dein Großvater gestorben ist.I'm sorry to hear that your grandfather passed away.
- Mein aufrichtiges Beileid, dass deine Tante vor Kurzem verstorben ist.My sincere condolences on the recent passing of your aunt.
- Nach einem erfüllten Leben hat Opa nun endlich das Zeitliche gesegnet.After a fulfilling life, grandpa has finally kicked the bucket.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are talking about a former colleague.
- HannahHast du gehört? Herr Meyer ist leider verstorben.Have you heard? Mr. Meyer has unfortunately passed away.
- LukasOh nein, das ist wirklich sehr traurig.Oh no, that is really very sad.
- HannahJa, er war ein sehr geschätzter Kollege.Yes, he was a very valued colleague.
- LukasMein herzliches Beileid an seine Familie.My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry verstorben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
