suicide
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suicide
The intentional and self-determined ending of one's own life. The term is often used as a value-neutral or euphemistic alternative to 'Selbstmord' (suicide) and emphasizes the voluntary nature of the decision.
In seinem Abschiedsbrief erklärte er die Gründe für seinen Freitod.
In his farewell letter, he explained the reasons for his suicide.
The word is made up of 'frei' (free) and 'der Tod' (death). This structure emphasizes the idea of a death based on a free, self-determined decision by the person.
Die Diskussion um den assistierten Freitod ist gesellschaftlich sehr komplex.
The discussion about assisted suicide is socially very complex.
'Freitod' (suicide, literally 'free death') is often used to avoid the negative association of 'Mord' (murder) in the word 'Selbstmord' (suicide, literally 'self-murder'). It is considered a more neutral or respectful term that foregrounds the conscious decision.
Manche Menschen bevorzugen den Begriff Freitod, da er die Freiwilligkeit betont.
Some people prefer the term Freitod, as it emphasizes voluntariness.
This noun is often used in fixed expressions. Typical verbs are 'den Freitod wählen' (to choose suicide) or 'in den Freitod gehen' (to die by suicide).
Nach dem Tod seiner Frau wählte der alte Mann den Freitod.
After the death of his wife, the old man chose suicide.
suicide
Selbstmord and Freitod can both refer to the intentional ending of one’s own life. Freitod, however, places greater emphasis on the free and self-determined decision and can therefore sound more neutral, euphemistic, or ideologically colored. Use it only when this additional perspective is meant to be expressed deliberately.
Der Autor bezeichnete die absichtliche Beendigung des eigenen Lebens als Freitod und betonte dabei die Selbstbestimmung.
The author referred to the intentional ending of the person’s own life as suicide and emphasized the person’s self-determination.
Der Bericht bezeichnete die absichtliche Beendigung des eigenen Lebens als Selbstmord.
The report referred to the intentional ending of the person’s own life as suicide.
