01
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' and 'der Todesfall' are closely connected, but they emphasize different things. 'der Tod' generally means the end of life. The word can be meant in a very personal, philosophical, or general way. 'der Todesfall' means a specific case in which a person has died. This word often sounds more factual and fits well with authorities, work, insurance, or official notices. The words can be confused because both touch on the same event. When it is about the topic or state, 'Tod' fits better; when a specific case is being reported or handled, 'Todesfall' fits better.
Todesfall
Wegen eines Todesfalls in der Familie kommt Frau Becker heute nicht zur Arbeit.
Because of a death in the family, Ms. Becker is not coming to work today.
Tod
Viele Menschen sprechen nicht gern über den Tod.
Many people do not like talking about death.
In real life
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