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entschlafen
/ɛntˈʃlaːfn̩/
to pass away
Sie entschlief friedlich im Kreis ihrer Familie.
She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
formal
to die, especially in a peaceful or dignified manner
Der Patient entschlief nach langer Krankheit.
The patient passed away after a long illness.
Sie entschlief im Schlaf.
She passed away in her sleep.
Commonly used in euphemistic contexts to describe death in a gentle, non-literal way. Often preferred in obituaries or formal settings.
literary
to fall asleep
Der Wald entschlief unter dem Schnee.
The forest fell asleep under the snow.
Poetic usage describing nature or inanimate objects as if they were sleeping.
Collocations
friedlich entschlafento pass away peacefullyim Schlaf entschlafento pass away in one's sleep
Pro Tip
When to use 'entschlafen'
Use 'entschlafen' when you want to describe death in a gentle, poetic, or euphemistic way. It is particularly suitable in contexts like obituaries, literature, or when discussing the peaceful passing of someone. Avoid using it in casual conversation or when the context is clinical or direct.
Gold Rule
Euphemism rule
Remember that 'entschlafen' is a euphemism for death. It softens the reality of dying and is used to convey a sense of peace or dignity. It is not used to describe the death of animals or in technical contexts.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *entslāfen*, from Old High German *intslāfan* (to fall asleep), composed of *ent-* (a variant of *in-*, indicating completion) and *slāfen* (to sleep). The figurative sense of 'dying' emerged in Middle High German as a euphemism.
Usage Notes
This verb is primarily used in a euphemistic sense to describe death in a gentle, non-literal way. It is considered more poetic and less clinical than 'sterben' (to die). Often used in obituaries, literature, or formal contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation about death.
Word Breakdown
ent-
prefix indicating completion or intensification
prefix-schlafen
to sleep
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