01
erlöschen
to go out
To stop burning or shining. Refers to fires, candles, lights, or similar things.
example
Als der Wind stärker wurde, ist die Kerze erloschen.
When the wind got stronger, the candle went out.
erlöschen
to go out / expire
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Erlöschen' (to go out / expire) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'er-'. The base verb 'löschen' (to extinguish) is transitive (someone puts out a fire), but 'erlöschen' is intransitive and describes something going out on its own ('das Feuer erlischt' — the fire goes out).
EXAMPLE
Bitte lösche die Kerze, bevor du gehst.
Please put out the candle before you leave.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'erlöschen' describes a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). The form is 'ist erloschen' (has gone out / has expired).
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich sind alle Lichter im Haus erloschen.
Suddenly, all the lights in the house went out.
Typical subjects
In its basic meaning, 'erlöschen' is used for things that burn or shine. Typical subjects are 'das Feuer' (the fire), 'die Flamme' (the flame), 'die Glut' (the embers), 'die Kerze' (the candle), or 'das Licht' (the light).
EXAMPLE
Die Flamme des Feuerzeugs erlosch im Wind.
The flame of the lighter went out in the wind.
Register: Legal
This meaning is typical of formal legal and administrative language. It is rarely used in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Der Anspruch auf eine Rückerstattung erlischt nach drei Jahren.
The claim for a refund expires after three years.
Typical collocations
In a legal context, the verb is combined with abstract nouns such as 'Anspruch' (claim), 'Recht' (right), 'Vertrag' (contract), 'Garantie' (warranty), or 'Lizenz' (license).
EXAMPLE
Ohne Verlängerung erlischt Ihre Mitgliedschaft am Ende des Monats.
Without renewal, your membership expires at the end of the month.
Register: Elevated
In this meaning, 'erlöschen' belongs to elevated or poetic language. It describes the slow disappearance of feelings, life, or sounds.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Streit war ihre Liebe füreinander erloschen.
After the long argument, their love for each other had faded away.
Compare with
erlöschen vs sterben
to die
'sterben' and 'erlöschen' can both express an ending. 'sterben' is the normal word when a person, animal, or plant is no longer alive. It can also be used figuratively for the end of feelings, ideas, or traditions. 'erlöschen' sounds more elevated and describes more that something slowly disappears or ceases to exist. With feelings, hope, or life, it can sound poetic or very formal. In everyday language, people usually say 'sterben' when talking directly about death. 'erlöschen' fits better when you want to emphasize gradual disappearance.
erlöschen
Nach vielen Enttäuschungen erlosch ihre Hoffnung auf eine schnelle Lösung.
After many disappointments, her hope for a quick solution faded away.
sterben
Der Baum im Garten ist nach dem trockenen Sommer gestorben.
The tree in the garden died after the dry summer.
In real life
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