obituary
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obituary
A text or speech that honors the life and achievements of a person who has recently died. Obituaries are often published in newspapers or delivered at memorial services.
In der Zeitung stand ein langer Nachruf auf den verstorbenen Künstler.
There was a long obituary in the newspaper for the deceased artist.
The word is made up of 'nach' (after) and 'Ruf' (call/reputation). So it literally describes a 'call' that follows a person after their death and honors their reputation.
Sein Nachruf betonte seine Großzügigkeit und seinen Humor.
His obituary emphasized his generosity and his humor.
To name the person being honored, you use the preposition 'auf' (for/about) with the accusative.
Die Familie veröffentlichte einen emotionalen Nachruf auf ihre Großmutter.
The family published an emotional obituary for their grandmother.
Common verbs used with 'Nachruf' (obituary) are 'einen Nachruf schreiben' (to write an obituary), 'einen Nachruf veröffentlichen' (to publish an obituary), or, at a memorial service, 'einen Nachruf halten' (to deliver an obituary/eulogy).
Ein guter Freund wird bei der Beerdigung den Nachruf halten.
A good friend will deliver the eulogy at the funeral.
laudatory speech
'Nachruf' and 'Laudatio' are both texts or speeches in which a person is honored in a positive way. The most important difference is the occasion: a 'Nachruf' is for a person who has recently died. A 'Laudatio' is given for a living person, for example at an award ceremony or an anniversary celebration. The words can be confused because both often sound formal and mention someone's achievements. Remember: 'Nachruf' belongs to death; 'Laudatio' belongs to an honor or tribute.
In der Zeitung erschien ein langer Nachruf auf die bekannte Ärztin.
A long obituary for the well-known doctor appeared in the newspaper.
Bei der Preisverleihung hielt Herr Schneider die Laudatio auf die Gewinnerin.
At the award ceremony, Mr. Schneider gave the laudatory speech for the winner.