01
leblos
lifeless
Without life; dead. Describes a state in which an organism no longer shows any signs of life.
example
Der Vogel lag leblos auf dem Boden.
The bird lay lifeless on the ground.
leblos
lifeless
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the noun 'Leben' (life) and the ending '-los' (-less). The ending '-los' means 'without,' so 'leblos' (lifeless) literally means 'without life.'
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Winter wirkte der Garten noch kahl und leblos.
After the long winter, the garden still looked bare and lifeless.
Context clue
The context reveals the exact meaning. If you are talking about a body or living being, it means 'tot' (dead). If it refers to a voice or a look, it means 'ohne Emotion' (without emotion). If it describes a landscape, it means 'karg' (barren) or 'unbelebt' (uninhabited/lifeless).
EXAMPLE
Die Retter fanden den Bergsteiger leblos im Schnee.
The rescuers found the mountaineer lifeless in the snow.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'tot' (dead), 'leblos' (lifeless) is often used in formal or official contexts, for example in police or medical reports. Typical combinations are 'ein lebloser Körper' (a lifeless body) or 'jemanden leblos auffinden' (to find someone lifeless).
EXAMPLE
Am Ufer wurde eine leblose Person gefunden.
A lifeless person was found on the riverbank.
Figurative meaning
This meaning is often used to describe a lack of energy, feeling, or interest. Common combinations are 'eine leblose Stimme' (a lifeless voice), 'ein lebloser Blick' (a lifeless look), or 'leblos wirken' (to seem lifeless).
EXAMPLE
Die Schauspieler wirkten auf der Bühne müde und leblos.
The actors seemed tired and lifeless on stage.
Compare with
leblos vs tot
dead
'tot' and 'leblos' can both mean that there is no life anymore. 'tot' clearly says that a living being is no longer alive. 'leblos' is more about seeing no signs of life, no movement, or no energy. That is why 'leblos' can also be used figuratively, for example for a boring atmosphere or an expression without feeling. Learners may confuse the words because both seem to mean 'not living'. If you want to say clearly that someone has died, use 'tot'. If you are describing the impression of having no movement or energy, 'leblos' often fits better.
leblos
Nach der langen Sitzung wirkte der Raum leblos und still.
After the long meeting, the room seemed lifeless and quiet.
tot
Der Fisch im Aquarium war am Morgen tot.
The fish in the aquarium was dead in the morning.
In real life
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