töten

kill

verb TUR-ten Less Common

Usage Note

töten is the general verb 'to kill', built on tot ('dead'). For unlawful killing of a person, the legal terms ermorden (murder) and umbringen (colloquial 'to do in') are more specific. The reflexive sich töten is a euphemism better avoided in favour of help.

Examples

"Der Sturm tötete viele Tiere."

Natural Translation

The storm killed many animals.

Literal Translation

The storm killed many animals.

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