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.
sickbed
'das Krankenbett' and 'das Sterbebett' both have to do with a sick person lying in bed, but they do not mean the same thing. 'das Krankenbett' is used when someone is ill and lying in bed to rest or recover. This can be at home or in a hospital. 'das Sterbebett' is used only when referring to the final moments of a person's life or when someone died in that bed. The words can be confused because both sound serious and are connected with illness. The key point is: a Krankenbett means illness, but not necessarily death. A Sterbebett means that death is directly involved.
Am Sterbebett seiner Großmutter versprach er, sich um die Familie zu kümmern.
At his grandmother's deathbed, he promised to take care of the family.
Nach der Operation musste Paul noch eine Woche im Krankenbett bleiben.
After the operation, Paul had to stay in bed for another week.