der Todesfall
death
The specific case of a person dying.
EXAMPLE
Wegen eines Todesfalls in der Familie bleibt das Geschäft heute geschlossen.
Due to a death in the family, the store will remain closed today.
der Todesfall
death
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Todes-' (genitive of 'der Tod' (death)) and 'Fall' (case). So it literally describes a 'case of death'.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei untersucht den Fall.
The police are investigating the case.
Register and style
'Todesfall' (death) is a rather formal and impersonal term. It is often used in official announcements, news reports, or administrative contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung berichtete über zwei Todesfälle bei dem Unfall.
The newspaper reported on two deaths in the accident.
Typical collocations
Common phrases are 'ein Todesfall in der Familie' (a death in the family), 'wegen eines Todesfalls' (because of a death), or 'einen Todesfall melden/beklagen' (to report/mourn a death).
EXAMPLE
Er konnte nicht zur Arbeit kommen, da es einen Todesfall in seiner Familie gab.
He couldn't come to work because there had been a death in his family.
Compare with
Todesfall vs Tod
death
Der Tod directly refers to the end of a person's life. Ein Todesfall presents the same event as an individual case that may be important for a family, company, or public authority to deal with organizationally. Tod is used for the end of life itself, while Todesfall is often used when reporting or handling the specific case.
Todesfall
Wegen des plötzlichen Todesfalls beantragt die Familie einige Tage Urlaub.
Because of the sudden death in the family, the family is requesting a few days of leave.
Tod
Die Familie trauert um den plötzlichen Tod ihres Großvaters.
The family is mourning the sudden death of their grandfather.
In real life
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