Trauer

/ˈtʁaʊ̯ɐ/
grief

Sie trägt immer noch schwarze Kleidung, weil sie um ihren verstorbenen Mann Trauer trägt.

She still wears black clothes because she is in mourning for her late husband.


formal

Deep sadness caused by loss, especially the death of someone.

Die Trauer um den Verlust eines geliebten Menschen kann sehr lange anhalten.

The grief over the loss of a loved one can last a very long time.

Nach dem Unglück herrschte tiefe Trauer in der Stadt.

There was deep grief in the town after the disaster.

Trauer is a strong, prolonged emotional state, often associated with mourning rituals (e.g., wearing black).

formal

Mourning period or observance after a death.

Die Trauer dauert in der Regel ein Jahr.

The mourning period usually lasts one year.

Refers to the formal period of mourning in some cultures.

Collocations

in Trauer seinto be in mourningTrauer tragento mourntiefe Trauerdeep grief

Related Phrases

Trauerbewältigungphrase
coping with grief
Trauerphasephrase
mourning phase

Pro Tip

Avoid literal translations

Do not translate 'Trauer' as 'sadness' in formal contexts. Use 'grief' or 'mourning' for accuracy.

Gold Rule

Capitalization

Always capitalize 'Trauer' when used as a noun in German (e.g., 'die Trauer').

Word Origin

From Old High German *trūri* (sad), related to Old English *trēow* (faithful, loyal), Proto-Germanic *trūz* (faith, trust). Originally implied fidelity in sorrow, later narrowed to grief.

Usage Notes

Trauer is a formal term; in everyday speech, 'Traurigkeit' (sadness) or 'Leid' (sorrow) may be used. Capitalized in contexts like 'Trauerfeier' (funeral service).

Word Breakdown

Trauer
grief/mourning
root
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