deathbed
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deathbed
The bed in which a person lies while dying, or in which they died. Often also used figuratively for the final moments of life.
Die Familie versammelte sich am Sterbebett des Großvaters, um Abschied zu nehmen.
The family gathered at the grandfather's deathbed to say goodbye.
The word consists of the stem of the verb 'sterben' (to die) and the noun 'Bett' (bed). So it literally describes the bed in which someone dies.
Er lag auf seinem Sterbebett und dachte über sein Leben nach.
He lay on his deathbed and thought about his life.
Pay attention to the difference: 'auf dem Sterbebett liegen' (to lie on one's deathbed) means that the dying person is in bed. 'Am Sterbebett sitzen/wachen' (to sit/keep watch at the deathbed) means that other people are beside the bed.
Die Kinder saßen am Sterbebett ihrer Mutter.
The children sat at their mother's deathbed.
The word is often used figuratively for the final moments in life. Typical verbs in this context are 'etwas auf dem Sterbebett bereuen' (to regret something on one's deathbed), 'gestehen' (to confess), or 'versprechen' (to promise).
Auf dem Sterbebett bereute er, nicht mehr Zeit mit seiner Familie verbracht zu haben.
On his deathbed, he regretted not having spent more time with his family.
