01
sterben
to die
To stop living; the end of life in humans, animals, or plants.
example
Nach einem langen Leben ist er friedlich im Schlaf gestorben.
After a long life, he died peacefully in his sleep.
sterben
to die
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'sterben' (to die) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state. A common mistake is using 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater ist vor fünf Jahren gestorben.
My grandfather died five years ago.
Preposition 'an'
When the cause of death is an illness, the preposition 'an' followed by the dative is used. You die 'an einer Krankheit' (of an illness).
EXAMPLE
Der Patient ist an den Folgen einer Lungenentzündung gestorben.
The patient died from the effects of pneumonia.
Preposition 'vor'
In the figurative sense, to express a very strong feeling, you use the preposition 'vor' with the dative. You die 'vor Langeweile' (of boredom), 'vor Hunger' (of hunger), or 'vor Angst' (of fear).
EXAMPLE
Wann kommt das Essen? Ich sterbe gleich vor Hunger!
When is the food coming? I'm about to die of hunger!
Fixed expression
The proverb 'Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt' (hope dies last) is a very well-known fixed expression. It means that you should not give up hope even in difficult situations.
EXAMPLE
Auch wenn es schlecht aussieht, wir suchen weiter. Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt.
Even if it looks bad, we'll keep searching. Hope dies last.
Compare with
sterben vs leben
to live
'leben' and 'sterben' form a clear opposition when it comes to the life of people, animals, or plants. 'leben' means to be alive. 'sterben' means that this life ends. The contrast is especially direct with living beings: a person is alive as long as they have not died. In other meanings of 'leben', for example 'in einer Stadt leben' (to live in a city), 'sterben' is not a suitable opposite.
sterben
Viele Pflanzen sterben, wenn sie wochenlang kein Wasser bekommen.
Many plants die if they go without water for weeks.
leben
Nach dem Unfall war er verletzt, aber er lebt.
After the accident, he was injured, but he is alive.
In real life
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