euthanasia
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Nazi euthanasia
In the historical context of National Socialism, refers to the systematic murder of people with mental illnesses or physical disabilities who were classified as 'lebensunwert' (unworthy of life). In Germany, the term has a strongly negative historical connotation.
Die Verbrechen der NS-„Euthanasie“ werden heute in Gedenkstätten aufgearbeitet.
The crimes of Nazi 'euthanasia' are being addressed today in memorial sites.
euthanasia
The practice of ending the life of an incurably ill person at their own request in order to shorten unbearable suffering. In German usage, because of the historical burden, the term 'Sterbehilfe' (assisted dying) is often preferred.
Die Debatte über die Legalisierung der Euthanasie ist ethisch sehr komplex.
The debate about legalizing euthanasia is ethically very complex.
Although 'Euthanasie' resembles the English word 'euthanasia', the German meaning is extremely negative and inseparably linked to the systematic murders of the Nazi regime. Careless use can be perceived as very hurtful.
In der deutschen Geschichte ist der Begriff „Euthanasie“ ein Synonym für ein grausames Verbrechen.
In German history, the term 'Euthanasie' is a synonym for a cruel crime.
In the context of National Socialism, 'Euthanasie' refers exclusively to the systematic murder of people whom the Nazis considered 'lebensunwert' (unworthy of life). The term was part of the regime's cynical language used to conceal mass murder.
Die Gedenkstätte erinnert an die Opfer der NS-„Euthanasie“.
The memorial site commemorates the victims of Nazi 'Euthanasie'.
Because of its historical burden, the word is used very cautiously even in modern debates about assisted dying in Germany, often with an explicit distinction from the Nazi context. The discussion is always also an engagement with the term itself.
Die ethische Kommission diskutierte die heikle Frage der Euthanasie bei unheilbar Kranken.
The ethics commission discussed the sensitive question of euthanasia for the incurably ill.
assisted dying / euthanasia
Both words can refer to ending the life of an incurably ill person in order to shorten their suffering. In modern German, „Sterbehilfe“ is the broader and more common term, whereas „Euthanasie“ usually refers to intentional active killing and carries a strong historical burden. Therefore, „Sterbehilfe“ is normally the preferred term.
Der Arzt lehnte Euthanasie ab, also die gezielte Beendigung des Lebens eines unheilbar Kranken.
The doctor rejected euthanasia, meaning the intentional ending of an incurably ill person’s life.
Die Familie sprach über Sterbehilfe und den Verzicht auf lebensverlängernde Maßnahmen.
The family discussed assisted dying and forgoing life-prolonging measures.
