underworld / realm of the dead
das Totenreich, die Totenreiche
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underworld / realm of the dead
The realm or place where the dead are believed to live according to religious or mythological beliefs. The word usually refers to another world and, depending on the belief system, can also mean the underworld or the afterlife.
In der Sage steigt der Held hinab in das Totenreich.
In the legend, the hero descends into the realm of the dead.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Totenreiche |
| genitive | des Totenreiches |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Totenreich | die Totenreiche |
| accusative | das Totenreich | die Totenreiche |
| dative | dem Totenreich | den Totenreichen |
| genitive | des Totenreiches des Totenreichs | der Totenreiche |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Totenreich' is made up of 'Toten' (the dead) and 'Reich' (realm). The root word 'Reich' refers here to a defined area or world, while 'Toten' refers to the inhabitants of this realm.
Der Zauberer wollte das Totenreich betreten.
The sorcerer wanted to enter the realm of the dead.
In der Geschichte bewacht ein Fluss den Eingang zum Totenreich.
In the story, a river guards the entrance to the realm of the dead.
'Totenreich' is often used with verbs of movement or transition, for example 'ins Totenreich hinabsteigen' (to descend into the realm of the dead), 'das Totenreich betreten' (to enter the realm of the dead), and 'aus dem Totenreich zurückkehren' (to return from the realm of the dead).
Der König musste allein ins Totenreich hinabsteigen.
The king had to descend into the realm of the dead alone.
'Totenreich' occurs mainly in religious, mythological, and literary texts. The word is rarely used in everyday life and usually sounds deliberately solemn or figurative in that context.
Der Roman erzählt von einer Reise durch das Totenreich.
The novel tells of a journey through the realm of the dead.
