die Scheidung
divorce
The formal legal dissolution of a marriage.
EXAMPLE
Nach mehreren Jahren der Trennung haben sie nun die Scheidung eingereicht.
After several years of separation, they have now filed for divorce.
die Scheidung
divorce / separation
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Meanings
die Scheidung
separation
In a figurative sense, the separation or division of things that were previously regarded as a unit.
EXAMPLE
Für ihn ist die strikte Scheidung von Arbeit und Privatleben sehr wichtig.
For him, the strict separation of work and private life is very important.
Usage tips
Word formation
The word 'Scheidung' (divorce/separation) is derived from the verb 'scheiden' (to separate). The ending '-ung' is a typical way of forming feminine nouns from verbs that describe a process or a result.
EXAMPLE
Die Scheidung des Paares verlief ohne große Streitereien.
The couple's divorce proceeded without major arguments.
Typical verbs
In a legal context, 'Scheidung' (divorce) is often used with certain verbs. You can say 'die Scheidung einreichen' (to file for divorce) or 'beantragen' (to apply for/request). The action itself is often expressed with the reflexive verb 'sich scheiden lassen' (to get divorced).
EXAMPLE
Sie haben nach langer Überlegung die Scheidung eingereicht.
After long consideration, they filed for divorce.
Use with 'von'
In the figurative meaning, 'Scheidung' (separation) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' + dative. This construction makes clear which two concepts or areas are being separated from each other.
EXAMPLE
Eine klare Scheidung von Beruflichem und Privatem ist für die mentale Gesundheit wichtig.
A clear separation of professional and private matters is important for mental health.
Compare with
Scheidung vs Trennung
separation
Trennung and Scheidung can both concern the end of a marriage. Trennung can also refer to the end of living together or of the relationship without the marriage being formally dissolved. Scheidung is appropriate when the formal dissolution of the marriage is meant; for a mere separation, use Trennung.
Scheidung
Nach langer Trennung folgte schließlich die Scheidung.
After a long separation, the divorce finally followed.
Trennung
Nach der Trennung wohnen die Eheleute weiterhin in verschiedenen Wohnungen.
After separating, the married couple continued to live in different apartments.
In real life
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