01
absterben
to die off
The process of life functions gradually stopping, especially in plants or body parts (tissue).
example
Wegen der Trockenheit sterben viele Bäume im Wald ab.
Because of the drought, many trees in the forest are dying off.
absterben
to die off / go numb
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Absterben' (to die off / go numb) is a separable verb with the prefix 'ab-'. In a main clause, the prefix stands at the end, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der Kälte sterben die Blätter an der Pflanze ab.
Because of the cold, the leaves on the plant are dying off.
Perfect with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'absterben' (to die off / go numb) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state. So it is 'ist abgestorben' (has died off / has gone numb).
EXAMPLE
Der alte Apfelbaum in unserem Garten ist leider letztes Jahr abgestorben.
The old apple tree in our garden unfortunately died off last year.
Context clue
The exact meaning depends on the subject. With plants, it is meant literally; with body parts, it is colloquial for 'einschlafen' (to fall asleep / go numb), and with feelings it means 'verschwinden' (to disappear).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Flug waren mir beide Beine abgestorben.
After the long flight, both my legs had gone numb.
Colloquial usage
When a body part 'abstirbt' (goes numb), this is a colloquial description of the feeling when it becomes numb or 'einschläft' (falls asleep / goes numb). This usage is typical of everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann nicht aufstehen, mein Fuß ist mir abgestorben.
I can't get up; my foot has gone numb.
Compare with
absterben vs sterben
to die
'sterben' and 'absterben' both describe life ending or something disappearing. 'sterben' is used mainly for whole people, animals, or plants. It can also be used figuratively for the end of ideas or feelings. 'absterben' fits better with plants, parts of plants, tissue, or feelings that gradually disappear. It emphasizes a process that happens little by little. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with death. As a simple guide: a person or an animal 'stirbt'; a branch, a root, or tissue 'stirbt ab'.
absterben
Wenn die Pflanze zu wenig Licht bekommt, können einzelne Blätter absterben.
If the plant gets too little light, individual leaves can die off.
sterben
Der Baum wird sterben, wenn seine Wurzeln komplett austrocknen.
The tree will die if its roots dry out completely.
In real life
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