bereaved person
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bereaved person
A person whose close relative or partner has died. Most often, the family members of a deceased person are collectively referred to as 'die Hinterbliebenen' (the bereaved).
Als einziger Hinterbliebener musste er die gesamte Beerdigung organisieren.
As the only bereaved person, he had to organize the entire funeral.
The word comes from the verb 'hinterbleiben' (to remain behind). A 'Hinterbliebener' (bereaved person) is therefore literally a person who was 'left behind' after someone died.
Die Hinterbliebenen trafen sich nach der Beerdigung zu einem gemeinsamen Essen.
The bereaved met for a meal together after the funeral.
'Hinterbliebener' (bereaved person) is a noun formed from an adjective. It is therefore declined like an adjective. Pay attention to the endings depending on the article: der Hinterbliebene, ein Hinterbliebener.
Ein Hinterbliebener erzählte von dem Verstorbenen.
A bereaved person spoke about the deceased.
This word belongs to formal language and is mainly used in the context of death and grief. It is often found in death notices, official letters, or news reports.
Die Firma sprach den Hinterbliebenen ihr tiefes Mitgefühl aus.
The company expressed its deepest sympathy to the bereaved.
The word is very often used in the plural to refer to the entire grieving family or the closest relatives as a group.
Die Spenden sind für die Hinterbliebenen des Opfers bestimmt.
The donations are intended for the victim's bereaved relatives.
relative / member
'Angehöriger' and 'Hinterbliebener' can both refer to people from someone's close circle or family. The important difference is the situation. An 'Angehöriger' is generally a family member or relative, regardless of whether someone has died. A 'Hinterbliebener' is a person left behind after the death of someone close to them. The words can be confused because bereaved people are usually also relatives. But not every relative is a bereaved person. 'Hinterbliebene' fits especially in contexts of death, grief, funerals, or inheritance.
Nach der Beerdigung bekamen die Hinterbliebenen Hilfe bei den Anträgen.
After the funeral, the bereaved received help with the applications.
Im Krankenhaus dürfen Angehörige die Patientin am Nachmittag besuchen.
At the hospital, relatives may visit the patient in the afternoon.