jemand ist gestorben
In German, "someone passed away" is translated as jemand ist gestorben.
The phrase is used to communicate that someone has died. While jemand ist gestorben is the standard, neutral way to state that someone died, there are several variations depending on how formal or soft you wish to be.
Which one should you use?
jemand ist gestorben is the standard, neutral way to say someone died. In contrast, if you want to use a more formal euphemism for "passed away," you should use the verb versterben (to have passed away) or the phrase Jemand ist verstorben.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ist gestorben uses the auxiliary verb sein (ist) rather than haben because sterben is a verb of change of state.
When do people say it?
When someone has died, a common way to offer your condolences is to say Mein Beileid (My condolences).
Did you know?
- To describe a peaceful death, Germans often use the phrase eingeschlafen, which literally means 'fallen asleep'.
- In traditional German mourning culture, the 'black border' on a newspaper obituary is referred to as a Trauerumrandung.
- In German, the word gestorben is used not only for death but also to describe a 'dead' battery or a failed engine.
Examples in context
- Mein herzlichstes Beileid zum Verlust Ihres Vaters.My deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
- Mein aufrichtiges Beileid wegen des Verlusts deiner Großmutter.My sincere condolences for the loss of your grandmother.
- Es tut mir wirklich leid, dass jemand, den wir mögen, nicht mehr da ist.I'm truly sorry that someone we liked is no longer here.
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are talking about some sad news.
- FelixHast du schon gehört? Jemand ist gestorben.Have you heard? Someone passed away.
- HannahOh nein, wer ist es?Oh no, who is it?
- FelixEs war ein alter Nachbar.It was an old neighbor.
- HannahDas ist wirklich sehr traurig.That is really very sad.
