abgestorben
dead
No longer living because the vital functions of an organism or part of it have stopped.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt entfernte das abgestorbene Gewebe.
The doctor removed the dead tissue.
abgestorben
dead
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Meanings
abgestorben
dead inside
Figuratively: lacking feeling, energy, or lively engagement inside.
EXAMPLE
Nach den vielen Enttäuschungen fühlte sie sich innerlich abgestorben.
After so many disappointments, she felt dead inside.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry abgestorben, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | abgestorben |
|---|
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to abgestorben.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to abgestorben.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to abgestorben.
Usage tips
Word family
'Abgestorben' (dead) is the past participle of 'absterben' (to die off) and therefore usually describes a state that has arisen after life has stopped. The prefix 'ab-' is separable in the verb: Die Blätter sterben ab (The leaves die off).
EXAMPLE
Im Herbst schneidet der Gärtner die abgestorbenen Äste ab.
In autumn, the gardener cuts off the dead branches.
Typical collocations
When referring to organisms or body parts, 'abgestorben' (dead) often occurs with words from medicine or biology, such as 'abgestorbenes Gewebe' (dead tissue), 'abgestorbene Zellen' (dead cells), or 'abgestorbene Nerven' (dead nerves).
EXAMPLE
Die Untersuchung zeigte mehrere abgestorbene Zellen im Gewebe.
The examination showed several dead cells in the tissue.
Figurative meaning
In its figurative meaning, 'abgestorben' (dead inside) often occurs with 'innerlich' (inside) or describes a lack of emotional reaction and vitality. The context then refers to feelings, relationships, or personal energy.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Tod seiner Frau wirkt er innerlich abgestorben.
Since his wife's death, he has seemed dead inside.
In real life
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