der Todestag
death anniversary
The anniversary of the day on which a person died.
EXAMPLE
An seinem Todestag besuchen wir jedes Jahr sein Grab.
On his death anniversary, we visit his grave every year.
der Todestag
death anniversary / date of death
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Meanings
der Todestag
date of death
The calendar day on which a person actually dies.
EXAMPLE
Der genaue Todestag konnte erst nach der Obduktion festgestellt werden.
The exact date of death could only be determined after the autopsy.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a compound of 'der Tod' (death) and 'der Tag' (day), connected by an '-es-'. So it literally means 'der Tag des Todes' (the day of death).
EXAMPLE
Der Todestag der Queen war ein weltweites Medienereignis.
The date of the Queen's death was a global media event.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the context. If it is about remembrance, commemoration, or a recurring date, it means the anniversary. If it is about an investigation or a report, it means the actual day of death.
EXAMPLE
Zum 100. Todestag des Komponisten gibt es ein Sonderkonzert.
There will be a special concert for the 100th anniversary of the composer's death.
Sentence structure and usage
Most often, the word is used with the preposition 'an' (on), which merges with the article to form 'am'. The genitive is also very common for naming the person.
EXAMPLE
Am Todestag meines Großvaters zünden wir immer eine Kerze an.
On the anniversary of my grandfather's death, we always light a candle.
Typical collocations
When the anniversary is meant, the verb 'sich jähren' (to mark an anniversary) is often used. For example, you say: 'Der Todestag jährt sich zum zehnten Mal.' (It is the tenth anniversary of the death.)
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr jährt sich ihr Todestag zum fünften Mal.
Next year will mark the fifth anniversary of her death.
Compare with
Todestag vs Jahrestag
anniversary
Todestag clearly refers to the annual recurrence of the date on which someone died. Jahrestag can refer to the same date, but it usually needs an additional specification or clear context because many other events also recur annually.
Todestag
Heute ist der Todestag der bekannten Schriftstellerin.
Today is the death anniversary of the well-known writer.
Jahrestag
Heute ist der Jahrestag des Todes der bekannten Schriftstellerin.
Today is the anniversary of the death of the well-known writer.
In real life
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