VERB

sterben/ˈʃtɛʁbn̩/to die

sterben is a German verb that means to die. It is pronounced /ˈʃtɛʁbn̩/. In conjugation, the simple past is "starb" and the past participle is "gestorben".

Definitions

1.to cease living; to pass away(human life)

a.(of a person or animal) to die

Mein Großvater ist letztes Jahr gestorben.My grandfather died last year.

b.(figurative, for strong emotions) to be dying (of something)

Ich sterbe vor Hunger.I'm starving (literally: dying of hunger).

Conjugation

Infinitivesterben
Present (ich)sterbe
Present (du)stirbst
Present (er/sie/es)stirbt
Preterite (ich)starb
Participle IIgestorben
Konjunktiv II (ich)stürbe
Imperative (singular)stirb
Imperative (plural)sterbt
Auxiliarysein

Frequently asked questions

What does "sterben" mean in English?
"sterben" means to die. It is a German verb.
How do you pronounce "sterben"?
"sterben" is pronounced /ˈʃtɛʁbn̩/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
What is the past participle of "sterben"?
The past participle (Partizip II) of "sterben" is "gestorben", used with the auxiliary "sein".
What is the simple past of "sterben"?
In the simple past (Präteritum), "sterben" becomes "starb" in the first person singular.
What part of speech is "sterben"?
"sterben" is a verb in German.

Related verbs

Learn German faster with Alexandria flashcards

Build your German vocabulary with focused flashcard study in the Alexandria app.