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verstorben
deceased
No longer alive; dead. It is a formal and respectful way of saying 'tot' (dead).
example
Der verstorbene Autor hat viele berühmte Romane hinterlassen.
The deceased author left behind many famous novels.
verstorben
deceased
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Verstorben' (deceased) is the past participle of the verb 'versterben' (to pass away). This verb is a formal variant of 'sterben' (to die). The prefix 'ver-' here indicates a completed process.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma wird nun von der Tochter des verstorbenen Gründers geleitet.
The company is now run by the daughter of the deceased founder.
Register and style
This word is used to express respect. You often find it in official announcements, obituaries, or when speaking about a dead person in a formal or reverent way.
EXAMPLE
In der Zeitung stand eine Anzeige für die kürzlich verstorbene Nachbarin.
There was a notice in the newspaper for the recently deceased neighbor.
Use as a noun
The word can be nominalized to refer to the person who has died. You then say 'der Verstorbene' (the deceased man/person) or 'die Verstorbene' (the deceased woman/person).
EXAMPLE
Die Familie des Verstorbenen bittet anstelle von Blumen um eine Spende.
The family of the deceased asks for a donation instead of flowers.
Compare with
verstorben vs verschieden
different / various
'verschieden' and 'verstorben' can both mean that a person is no longer alive. In this meaning, however, 'verschieden' is very elevated and rather rare today. 'verstorben' is the normal respectful form, for example in the news, conversations about family, or official texts. The pair can be confusing because 'verschieden' usually means 'not the same' or 'several'. When talking about a person's death, 'verstorben' is almost always clearer and more natural.
verstorben
Unsere Nachbarin ist am Wochenende leider verstorben.
Our neighbor unfortunately passed away over the weekend.
verschieden
Der alte Schriftsteller ist vor vielen Jahren verschieden.
The old writer passed away many years ago.
In real life
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