to pass away
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to pass away
To die; to stop living. This word is a formal and respectful paraphrase for 'sterben' (to die) and is often used in official announcements or obituaries.
Der ehemalige Bundespräsident ist im Alter von 92 Jahren verstorben.
The former Federal President passed away at the age of 92.
The perfect tense of 'versterben' (to pass away) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state. So it is 'er ist verstorben' (he has passed away), not 'er hat verstorben'.
Die berühmte Schauspielerin ist letzte Woche verstorben.
The famous actress passed away last week.
This word belongs to elevated language and is used to express respect. You find it especially in official announcements, obituaries, and in the news when reporting on the death of well-known figures.
In der Zeitung stand, dass der Autor friedlich in seinem Haus verstorben ist.
The newspaper said that the author had passed away peacefully in his home.
'Versterben' (to pass away) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Sie wusste nicht, dass ihr Nachbar gestern verstorben war.
She did not know that her neighbor had passed away yesterday.
Common details used with 'versterben' (to pass away) are the cause of death ('an einer Krankheit versterben' — to die of an illness) or the age ('im Alter von … Jahren versterben' — to pass away at the age of …).
Er ist an den Folgen eines Unfalls verstorben.
He passed away from the consequences of an accident.
to live
'leben' and 'versterben' stand in clear contrast here. 'leben' means that someone is alive. 'versterben' means that someone stops living. 'versterben' sounds more formal and respectful than 'sterben' (to die) and fits especially in serious situations, for example in the news, official texts, or when speaking politely about death.
Die Ärztin sagte der Familie vorsichtig, dass der Patient in der Nacht verstorben ist.
The doctor carefully told the family that the patient had passed away during the night.
Mein Großvater lebt noch und erzählt gern von früher.
My grandfather is still alive and likes to talk about the past.