killing
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killing
The act of ending the life of a person or animal. In a legal context, different forms are distinguished, such as intentional, negligent, or lawful killing.
Die Tötung des Diktators wurde von vielen als Befreiung gefeiert.
The killing of the dictator was celebrated by many as liberation.
The noun 'die Tötung' (the killing) is derived directly from the verb 'töten' (to kill). The ending '-ung' turns the action of killing into a feminine noun that describes the process itself.
Die Polizei untersucht die Tötung des Mannes.
The police are investigating the killing of the man.
The word 'Tötung' (killing) is mainly used in formal contexts such as news reports, police reports, or legal language. It sounds very official and detached.
Der Angeklagte wurde wegen fahrlässiger Tötung verurteilt.
The defendant was convicted of negligent homicide.
In a legal context, 'Tötung' (killing) is often combined with adjectives to specify the type of crime. Common collocations are 'vorsätzliche Tötung' (intentional killing), 'fahrlässige Tötung' (negligent homicide), and 'versuchte Tötung' (attempted killing).
Die Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt wegen versuchter Tötung.
The public prosecutor's office is investigating on suspicion of attempted killing.
death
'der Tod' and 'die Tötung' both have to do with the end of life, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Tod' refers to the state or event of someone no longer being alive. 'Tötung' refers to the action through which a person or animal is killed. The word often sounds factual or legal. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about dying. The important point is: 'Tod' is the result, while 'Tötung' is the action that causes it.
Die Polizei untersucht die Tötung des Tieres im Park.
The police are investigating the killing of the animal in the park.
Der Tod seines Großvaters hat Paul sehr traurig gemacht.
The death of his grandfather made Paul very sad.