euthanasia
Loading your saved state.
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.
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
'Sterbehilfe' and 'Euthanasie' can both have to do with ending or accompanying life in cases of serious illness. In present-day German usage, 'Sterbehilfe' is the more common and more neutral word for assisted dying, for example in the case of people with incurable illnesses. 'Euthanasie' can mean a similar practice in some contexts, but in Germany it carries a very heavy historical burden. Especially in connection with National Socialism, it refers to the murder of people with illnesses or disabilities. The words are therefore easy to confuse, but they are not the same in tone. In current discussions, 'Sterbehilfe' is usually the more appropriate choice; 'Euthanasie' should be used very carefully.
Im Geschichtsunterricht erklärt Herr Hofmann, warum der Begriff Euthanasie in Deutschland stark belastet ist.
In history class, Mr. Hofmann explains why the term euthanasia carries such a heavy burden in Germany.
Nach dem Gespräch mit der Ärztin spricht die Familie offen über das Thema Sterbehilfe.
After the conversation with the doctor, the family talks openly about the topic of assisted dying.