01
sterbend
dying
Describes the state of a person, animal, or plant that is in the process of dying.
example
Der Arzt kümmerte sich um den sterbenden Patienten.
The doctor cared for the dying patient.
sterbend
dying
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Sterbend' (dying) is the present participle of the verb 'sterben' (to die). It describes an ongoing process, meaning that someone or something is dying right now. This form is used like a normal adjective and is declined.
EXAMPLE
Der sterbende Baum im Garten verlor alle Blätter.
The dying tree in the garden lost all its leaves.
Common mistake
Do not confuse 'sterbend' (present participle) with 'gestorben' (past participle). 'Sterbend' describes the process of dying, while 'gestorben' describes the completed state (dead).
EXAMPLE
Ein sterbender Patient braucht Pflege.
A dying patient needs care.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'sterbend' is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are 'sterbende Industrien' (dying industries), 'sterbende Sprachen' (dying languages), or 'sterbende Dörfer' (dying villages).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung versucht, die sterbenden Industrien mit Subventionen zu retten.
The government is trying to save the dying industries with subsidies.
Compare with
sterbend vs tot
dead
'tot' and 'sterbend' both have to do with the end of life. The important difference is the point in time: 'tot' means that a person, animal, or plant is no longer alive. 'sterbend' describes the process before that, when someone or something is in the process of dying. Learners may confuse the words because both are very close to death. In practice: if life is already over, you say 'tot'. If death is happening now or will come soon, 'sterbend' fits better.
sterbend
Die sterbende Pflanze bekam noch einmal Wasser.
The dying plant was given water one more time.
tot
Der Vogel lag tot unter dem Fenster.
The bird lay dead under the window.
In real life
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