01
umbringen
to kill
To kill someone violently; to murder.
example
Die Polizei ermittelt, wer den Mann umgebracht hat.
The police are investigating who killed the man.
umbringen
to kill
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Umbringen' (to kill) is a separable verb. The prefix 'um-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Täter bringt sein Opfer um.
The perpetrator kills his victim.
Word structure
The meaning 'töten' (to kill) is derived from the old expression 'jemanden um das Leben bringen' (to deprive someone of their life). The prefix 'um' expresses a loss here—you deprive someone of their life.
EXAMPLE
Die Gangster drohten, ihn umzubringen.
The gangsters threatened to kill him.
Reflexive use
When a person kills themselves, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich umbringen' (to kill oneself). The reflexive pronoun 'sich' is obligatory here and changes according to the person (ich bringe mich um, du bringst dich um, etc.).
EXAMPLE
Aus Verzweiflung wollte er sich umbringen.
Out of despair, he wanted to kill himself.
Colloquial meaning
In colloquial language, 'umbringen' (to kill) is often used exaggeratively for something that is extremely exhausting or annoying. The subject is then not a person, but a thing or situation such as 'die Arbeit' (the work), 'der Lärm' (the noise), or 'die Hitze' (the heat).
EXAMPLE
Noch eine Stunde Überstunden? Diese Arbeit bringt mich um!
Another hour of overtime? This work is killing me!
Compare with
umbringen vs schaffen
to manage / create
'jemandem zu schaffen machen' and 'umbringen' can both express colloquially that something is very stressful or exhausting. 'Zu schaffen machen' is more normal and less strong: something causes a person problems or makes things difficult for them. 'Umbringen' in this meaning is a strong exaggeration, for example with heat, stress, or noise. Learners should be careful because 'umbringen' can also literally mean 'to kill'. When speaking neutrally about problems, 'zu schaffen machen' is safer; 'umbringen' only fits in a casual and exaggerated way.
umbringen
Dieser Lärm bringt mich noch um, ich kann mich gar nicht konzentrieren.
This noise is going to kill me; I can't concentrate at all.
schaffen
Die Hitze macht meiner Großmutter heute sehr zu schaffen.
The heat is really troubling my grandmother today.
In real life
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