die Unsterblichkeit
immortality
The state of living forever and never dying.
EXAMPLE
In vielen Mythen suchen die Helden nach der Unsterblichkeit.
In many myths, heroes search for immortality.
die Unsterblichkeit
immortality
die Unsterblichkeit
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Meanings
die Unsterblichkeit
immortality
Eternal fame and prestige that continues even after one's own death, usually through outstanding achievements in art, science, or politics.
EXAMPLE
Mit seinen Sinfonien erlangte Beethoven Unsterblichkeit.
With his symphonies, Beethoven achieved immortality.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Unsterblichkeit, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Unsterblichkeit |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Unsterblichkeit | – |
| accusative | die Unsterblichkeit | – |
| dative | der Unsterblichkeit | – |
| genitive | der Unsterblichkeit | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Unsterblichkeit' (immortality) is made up of three parts: the prefix 'un-' (not), the stem 'sterb-' (from 'sterben' (to die)), and the endings '-lich' and '-keit', which form a noun. So it describes the state of not being mortal.
EXAMPLE
Die Alchemisten träumten davon, den Schlüssel zur Unsterblichkeit zu finden.
The alchemists dreamed of finding the key to immortality.
Use in a sentence
As an abstract noun, 'Unsterblichkeit' (immortality) is usually used in the singular and often without an article when referring to the general concept. The article is used when a specific kind is meant, e.g. 'die Unsterblichkeit der Seele' (the immortality of the soul).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen glauben an eine Form von Unsterblichkeit nach dem Tod.
Many people believe in a form of immortality after death.
Typical verbs
In the literal sense of eternal life, 'Unsterblichkeit' (immortality) is often combined with verbs such as 'erlangen' (to attain), 'suchen' (to seek), or 'verleihen' (to grant).
EXAMPLE
Der Legende nach verleiht der Göttertrank Unsterblichkeit.
According to legend, the drink of the gods grants immortality.
Context clue
The figurative meaning 'eternal fame' can be recognized from context. When it is about artists, scientists, their works, or great deeds, it usually means fame, not eternal life.
EXAMPLE
Durch ihre Entdeckungen hat sich die Forscherin Unsterblichkeit gesichert.
Through her discoveries, the researcher secured immortality for herself.
In real life
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