Untoter
The English word "undead" is translated into German as Untoter.
The term describes beings that are animate despite being non-living. It can be used as a noun to refer to creatures that are dead but still animate.
Meaning: being animate, though non-living (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Untoter is composed of the prefix un- (meaning not or un-) and tot (meaning dead), literally translating to "un-dead person" or "un-dead being".
Which one should you use?
Untoter is used as a masculine singular noun to refer to a single undead male or a generic undead creature. In contrast, Untote is used to refer to a group of undead beings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a masculine singular noun, Untoter refers to one creature. To describe a group of undead beings in the plural, you can use Untote or die Untoten.
Did you know?
- While Untoter is the direct translation, German speakers often use the loanword Zombie for modern pop-culture creatures and save Untoter for gothic or supernatural entities like vampires.
- The term Untoter is a nominalized adjective, meaning it changes its ending to match the gender of the creature. A female undead entity is specifically called eine Untote.
- In German, the state of being 'dead' tot is traditionally an absolute, which makes Untoter a linguistic paradox. It is not just a description, but a contradiction of a fundamental state.
Examples in context
- In zahlreichen Legenden und Märchen begegnen wir den lebenden Toten.In many legends and fairy tales, we encounter the undead.
- Die Gefahr besteht darin, dass Untote nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit erwachen.The danger lies in the fact that the undead awaken after nightfall.
- War es ein Film über lebende Tote?Was it a movie about the undead?
- In der alten Villa hinter dem Wald verbarg sich ein mysteriöser Untoter, der nachts sein Unwesen trieb.In the old villa behind the forest, there lurked a mysterious undead creature who wreaked havoc at night.
- Ein Untoter bewegt sich sehr langsam.An undead moves very slowly.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are discussing a fantasy game.
- JuliaIst das ein Untoter in diesem Spiel?Is that an undead in this game?
- JulianJa, er sieht wie ein Untoter aus.Yes, he looks like an undead.
- JuliaJulian, pass auf, er kommt näher!Julian, watch out, he is coming closer!
- JulianIch versuche, den Untoten zu besiegen.I am trying to defeat the undead.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Untoter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
