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B2 adjective #4,500 よく出る 11分で読める

sterblich

上位4,500

練習する例文メモとヒント sterblich 30秒で

解説 sterblich in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely won't use the word 'sterblich' very often. It is a complex concept for a beginner. However, you might recognize the root word 'sterben' (to die), which is sometimes introduced when talking about family or history. If you see 'sterblich', just remember it means 'mortal' or 'human'. You might see it in simple stories or fairy tales where a hero is a 'mortal' man fighting a dragon. At this stage, focus on the basic meaning: that life has an end. You don't need to worry about the complicated grammar or idioms yet. Just know that it describes humans and animals, not gods or stones.

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By A2, you are expanding your vocabulary to include more adjectives. You might encounter 'sterblich' in short biographies or basic news reports. You should start to see the connection between 'sterben' (verb), 'der Tod' (noun), and 'sterblich' (adjective). You might learn the phrase 'sterblich verliebt sein' because it's a very common way to express strong feelings, even if the word 'sterblich' itself feels a bit advanced. You should be able to recognize that it describes a living thing that will eventually die. In your writing, you probably won't use it, but you should understand it if you read it in a simple text about nature or people.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand more abstract concepts. 'Sterblich' becomes more relevant as you discuss topics like health, environment, and society. You should be able to use 'sterblich' in its basic predicative form: 'Alle Menschen sind sterblich.' You will also start to see 'Sterblichkeit' (mortality) in texts about the population or medicine. You should be able to distinguish between 'sterblich' and 'tot' (dead). You might also start using the idiom 'sterblich verliebt sein' in your own speaking to sound more like a native. This is the level where you start to notice the word in more formal settings, like a museum or a history book.

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At B2, 'sterblich' is a word you should be able to use correctly in both speaking and writing. You need to master the adjective declensions: 'ein sterblicher Körper', 'die sterblichen Überreste'. You should understand the nuance between 'sterblich' (mortal) and 'tödlich' (deadly) and avoid mixing them up. You will encounter this word in literature, philosophy, and high-level journalism. You should be able to discuss the 'Sterblichkeitsrate' (mortality rate) and understand its implications in a sociological discussion. This word is key for reaching the 'vantage' level of German, where you can express complex ideas about the human condition and the limits of life.

At C1, you use 'sterblich' with precision and style. You understand its literary and historical connotations. You can use it to create specific effects in your writing, such as using 'kein sterbliches Wort' to emphasize secrecy or 'die Sterblichen' to sound philosophical or ironic. You are familiar with the word's occurrence in classical German literature (Goethe, Schiller) and can interpret its meaning in those contexts. You also recognize technical uses in fields like biology or law without hesitation. Your command of the word's declension and its nominalized form 'der Sterbliche' is perfect, even in complex cases like 'eines Sterblichen'.

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At the C2 level, 'sterblich' is a tool you use to navigate the highest levels of German discourse. You understand the deep etymological roots and the way the word has evolved over centuries. You can engage in academic debates about 'die Sterblichkeit des Seins' or 'die Dialektik der Sterblichkeit'. You recognize the word in the most obscure idioms and can use it in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere. For you, 'sterblich' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning, from the clinical to the transcendental. You are as comfortable with it as a native speaker who has studied philosophy or literature.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

sterblich 30秒で

Sterblich means 'mortal' and describes living things that will die.
It is derived from the verb 'sterben' (to die).
A common idiom is 'sterblich verliebt sein' (to be desperately in love).
In formal contexts, 'sterbliche Überreste' refers to human remains.

The German adjective sterblich is a profound term that translates primarily to 'mortal' in English. Rooted in the verb sterben (to die), it carries with it the biological, philosophical, and theological weight of existence. In its most literal sense, it describes any living being that is subject to death. However, its usage extends far beyond a simple biological fact, permeating German literature, legal discourse, and daily idioms.

Biological Context: In biology and medicine, 'sterblich' is used to define the finite nature of organisms. It is the opposite of 'unsterblich' (immortal). When discussing the human condition, Germans often use this word to emphasize our vulnerability and the shared destiny of all living things.
Philosophical Nuance: Philosophically, 'sterblich' is tied to the concept of 'Vergänglichkeit' (transience). It reminds the speaker and the listener that nothing lasts forever. It is frequently found in existentialist texts and classical German poetry, such as that of Goethe or Schiller, where the contrast between the eternal nature of art and the mortal nature of the artist is a recurring theme.
The 'Normal Person' Aspect: Interestingly, 'sterblich' can also be used as a noun—'die Sterblichen' (the mortals). In this context, it is often used with a touch of irony or grandiosity to refer to ordinary human beings as opposed to those who are powerful, famous, or perceived as 'god-like' in their influence.

Alle Menschen sind sterblich, doch wir leben oft so, als wären wir es nicht.

Translation: All humans are mortal, yet we often live as if we were not.

When you encounter 'sterblich' in German, you are often engaging with a text that considers the limits of human power. Whether it is a doctor discussing a prognosis or a poet lamenting the passage of time, the word serves as a sobering reminder of life's conclusion. It is not necessarily a dark word; rather, it is a factual and reflective one. In high-level German (B2 and above), mastering this word allows you to participate in deeper discussions about ethics, history, and the human experience.

Er war in sie sterblich verliebt.

Translation: He was desperately (mortally) in love with her.

Register Variation: While 'sterblich' is standard German, its noun form 'der Sterbliche' can sound somewhat archaic or literary. In everyday conversation, people might simply say 'wir sind alle nur Menschen' (we are all just humans) to convey a similar sentiment of fallibility and finitude.

Furthermore, the word appears in several fixed expressions. 'Kein sterbliches Wort' means 'not a single word' (literally 'no mortal word'), usually used when someone is sworn to secrecy. This figurative use shows how the concept of 'mortality' is linked to the physical presence of a person in the world. If you haven't said a 'mortal word', you haven't left any trace of your speech in the physical realm.

Verrate keinem sterblichen Wesen unser Geheimnis!

Translation: Do not reveal our secret to any mortal being!

Using 'sterblich' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an adjective. Like most German adjectives, it can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein') or attributively (before a noun). When used attributively, it must follow the standard rules of adjective declension, which can be tricky for learners but is essential for B2 proficiency.

Predicative Use: When 'sterblich' follows a verb, it does not change its ending. Example: 'Der Körper ist sterblich.' (The body is mortal). This is the simplest way to use the word and is common in philosophical or scientific statements.
Attributive Use: When placed before a noun, the ending changes based on gender, case, and number. For instance, 'Ein sterblicher Mensch' (A mortal human), 'Die sterblichen Reste' (The mortal remains), or 'In diesem sterblichen Leben' (In this mortal life). Note that 'sterbliche Überreste' is the formal German term for a deceased person's remains.

Die Philosophie erinnert uns daran, dass wir sterblich sind.

Translation: Philosophy reminds us that we are mortal.

One of the most frequent uses of 'sterblich' in modern German is in the adverbial phrase 'sterblich verliebt sein'. While 'sterblich' is technically an adjective, in this specific idiom, it functions as an intensifier meaning 'desperately' or 'to death'. It is similar to the English phrase 'mortally wounded', but applied to the emotion of love. It suggests a love so strong it feels like a matter of life and death.

Sie ist in ihren Kollegen sterblich verliebt.

Translation: She is desperately in love with her colleague.

In formal and legal contexts, you might see the term 'sterbliche Überreste'. This is a very respectful and somewhat distanced way of referring to a corpse. It is often used in news reports about archaeological finds or the repatriation of soldiers. Using 'Leiche' (corpse) can sometimes sound too blunt or clinical, whereas 'sterbliche Überreste' maintains a level of dignity.

Die sterblichen Überreste des Königs wurden in die Hauptstadt gebracht.

Translation: The mortal remains of the king were brought to the capital.

Finally, consider the use of 'sterblich' in negative constructions. 'Kein sterblicher Mensch' is a common way to say 'no human being' when emphasizing impossibility. For example: 'Kein sterblicher Mensch kann diese Last allein tragen' (No mortal human can carry this burden alone). This adds a dramatic, almost mythological tone to the sentence, elevating it from a simple statement of fact to a more profound observation.

While you might not hear 'sterblich' at the supermarket or while ordering a coffee, it is a staple of several specific domains in German life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the tone and intent of the speaker.

Literature and Drama: Germany has a rich history of 'Trauerspiele' (tragedies) and philosophical poetry. In the works of Goethe, Schiller, and Rilke, 'sterblich' is used to contrast the fleeting nature of human life with the permanence of nature or the divine. If you attend a play at the Burgtheater in Vienna or the Deutsches Theater in Berlin, you are likely to hear this word in a monologue about the human condition.
Religion and Funerals: In a religious context, particularly within the Lutheran or Catholic traditions in Germany, 'sterblich' is used in liturgy and funeral orations. It serves to remind the congregation of the soul's eternity versus the body's mortality. Phrases like 'unser sterblicher Leib' (our mortal body) are common in these settings.
Academic and Scientific Discourse: In biology, 'Sterblichkeit' (mortality) is a key term. You will hear 'Sterblichkeitsrate' (mortality rate) in news reports about public health, demographics, or the effects of a pandemic. While the adjective 'sterblich' is less common here than the noun, it still appears in discussions about 'sterbliche Zellen' (mortal cells) versus 'unsterbliche Zelllinien' in cancer research.

In der Zeitung stand etwas über die sinkende Sterblichkeitsrate.

Translation: The newspaper had something about the falling mortality rate.

In popular culture, particularly in the fantasy and sci-fi genres (which are very popular in Germany), 'sterblich' is used to distinguish humans from elves, vampires, or robots. In dubbed versions of movies like 'The Lord of the Rings' or 'Twilight', characters often discuss their 'sterbliches Dasein' (mortal existence).

Bist du bereit, dein sterbliches Leben für die Unsterblichkeit aufzugeben?

Translation: Are you ready to give up your mortal life for immortality?

Lastly, in very formal or old-fashioned storytelling, you might hear 'ein gewöhnlicher Sterblicher' (an ordinary mortal). This is used to describe someone who lacks special powers or high social status. For example, if a celebrity enters a room, someone might jokingly say, 'Was machen wir einfachen Sterblichen jetzt?' (What do we simple mortals do now?). This shows the word's versatility—from the heights of philosophy to the depths of dry German humor.

For English speakers, 'sterblich' can be a 'false friend' or easily confused with other words related to death. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing 'sterblich' with 'tödlich': This is the most frequent error. 'Sterblich' means 'mortal' (subject to death), while 'tödlich' means 'deadly' or 'lethal' (causing death). You would say 'Ein Gift ist tödlich' (A poison is deadly), but 'Ein Mensch ist sterblich' (A human is mortal). Saying 'Ein Mensch ist tödlich' would imply that the human is a walking weapon!
Confusing 'sterblich' with 'sterbend': 'Sterbend' is the present participle of 'sterben' and means 'dying'. 'Sterblich' is a permanent quality of all humans, whereas 'sterbend' describes the process of passing away. 'Der sterbende Schwan' (the dying swan) vs. 'Der sterbliche Schwan' (the mortal swan—which sounds like a biological statement about swans in general).

Falsch: Diese Krankheit ist sterblich.
Richtig: Diese Krankheit ist tödlich.

Note: Diseases are 'deadly', not 'mortal'.

Another mistake involves the declension of the noun 'der Sterbliche'. This is a nominalized adjective, meaning it follows adjective endings even when it's a noun. This is a common B1/B2 hurdle. You must say 'ein Sterblicher' (masculine, indefinite article), but 'der Sterbliche' (masculine, definite article). In the plural, it's 'die Sterblichen'. Forgetting these endings is a clear sign of a non-native speaker.

Using 'sterblich' in the wrong register can also be a mistake. As mentioned, 'sterbliche Überreste' is very formal. Using it in a casual conversation about a dead pet might sound unintentionally funny or overly dramatic. In such cases, 'tot' (dead) or 'verstorben' (passed away) is more appropriate.

Er ist sterblich verliebt, nicht tödlich verliebt.

Note: Even though 'tödlich' can mean 'extremely' in some contexts, for love, we always use 'sterblich'.

Finally, be careful with the idiom 'kein sterbliches Wort'. It is specifically used with verbs of speaking or promising. Using it with verbs like 'sehen' or 'hören' (e.g., 'ich habe kein sterbliches Wort gehört') is possible but less common than 'ich habe kein Wort gehört'. The idiom is most effective when emphasizing a secret.

German has several words that touch upon the concept of mortality and transience. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to sound scientific, poetic, or everyday.

Vergänglich: This means 'transient' or 'fleeting'. While 'sterblich' refers specifically to the ability to die, 'vergänglich' refers to the fact that everything (emotions, beauty, time) eventually fades away. You would say 'Schönheit ist vergänglich' (Beauty is transient), but 'Der Mensch ist sterblich'.
Hinfällig: This is a more specific word meaning 'frail' or 'decrepit', often due to age. It can also mean 'null and void' in a legal sense. While 'sterblich' is a general human condition, 'hinfällig' describes a state of physical decline.
Endlich: Literally 'finite'. This is often used in philosophical or mathematical contexts to describe things that have an end. 'Unser Leben ist endlich' (Our life is finite) is a very common alternative to 'unser Leben ist sterblich'.

Alles Irdische ist vergänglich.

Translation: Everything earthly is transient.

In a medical context, you might encounter 'letal'. This is a technical synonym for 'tödlich' (lethal). It is never used for the human condition of being mortal, but rather for the outcome of a dose or a disease. 'Eine letale Dosis' is a lethal dose.

Irdisch: Meaning 'earthly' or 'terrestrial'. This is often used in contrast to 'himmlisch' (heavenly). While not a direct synonym for 'sterblich', it is frequently used in the same contexts to describe the limitations of life on Earth.

When comparing 'sterblich' and its synonyms, notice the emotional weight. 'Sterblich' is heavy and serious. 'Vergänglich' is often melancholy or poetic. 'Endlich' is logical and factual. By choosing the right word, you signal your level of German and your understanding of the subtle differences in meaning that define the B2 level and beyond.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The English word 'starve' and German 'sterben' share the same root. In Old English, 'steorfan' meant simply 'to die', but later narrowed its meaning to 'to die of hunger'.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈʃtɛʁplɪç/

US /ˈʃtɛrp-lɪç/

Stress is on the first syllable: STERB-lich.

韻が合う語

erblich verderblich unsterblich gewerblich werblich herrlich (near rhyme) gefährlich (near rhyme) entbehrlich

よくある間違い

Pronouncing 'st' as 'st' (like 'stay') instead of 'sht'.
Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' (like 'sterblick').
Swallowing the 'l' in the middle.
Stress on the second syllable.
Pronouncing the 'er' like the English 'her'.

難易度

読解 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'sterben'.

ライティング 4/5

Requires correct adjective declension.

スピーキング 4/5

Pronunciation of 'ch' and 'st' can be tricky.

リスニング 3/5

Common in documentaries and literature.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

sterben der Tod tot das Leben der Mensch

次に学ぶ

die Vergänglichkeit unsterblich tödlich versterben die Seele

上級

die Endlichkeit das Ableben die Morbidität hinfällig vergänglich

知っておくべき文法

Adjective Declension

Ein sterblichER Mann, die sterblichEN Überreste.

Nominalized Adjectives

Der Sterbliche (The mortal).

Adverbial usage as intensifier

Sterblich verliebt (No ending change).

Compound Nouns with -keit

Sterblich + keit = Sterblichkeit.

Prefix 'un-' for opposites

Sterblich -> unsterblich.

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レベル別の例文

Menschen sind sterblich.

Humans are mortal.

Simple predicative use of the adjective.

Ist der Hund sterblich?

Is the dog mortal?

Question form with 'sein'.

Alle Tiere sind sterblich.

All animals are mortal.

Plural subject with 'sind'.

Ich bin ein sterblicher Mensch.

I am a mortal human.

Attributive use with 'ein' (masculine nominative).

Götter sind nicht sterblich.

Gods are not mortal.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Das Leben ist sterblich.

Life is mortal (finite).

Abstract noun as subject.

Kein Baum ist unsterblich.

No tree is immortal.

Using the opposite 'unsterblich'.

Wir alle sind sterblich.

We all are mortal.

Pronoun 'wir' with 'sind'.

Er ist sterblich verliebt.

He is desperately in love.

Common idiom using 'sterblich' as an intensifier.

Sie ist in ihn sterblich verliebt.

She is desperately in love with him.

Idiom with preposition 'in' + accusative.

Ein sterblicher Körper braucht Essen.

A mortal body needs food.

Attributive use: 'ein' + masculine noun.

Die Blumen sind sterblich, sie welken.

The flowers are mortal, they wither.

Linking mortality to the process of withering.

Ich bin nur ein sterblicher Mann.

I am only a mortal man.

Use of 'nur' to emphasize limitations.

Sind wir alle sterblich?

Are we all mortal?

Simple question structure.

Das ist ein sterbliches Wesen.

That is a mortal being.

Neuter noun 'Wesen' with 'ein'.

Er sagt, er sei sterblich.

He says he is mortal.

Indirect speech (Konjunktiv I).

Jedes sterbliche Lebewesen muss sterben.

Every mortal living being must die.

Attributive use with 'jedes' (neuter).

Die Sterblichkeit in diesem Land ist hoch.

The mortality in this country is high.

Noun form 'Sterblichkeit'.

Wir müssen akzeptieren, dass wir sterblich sind.

We must accept that we are mortal.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

Er war sterblich verliebt und tat dumme Dinge.

He was desperately in love and did stupid things.

Idiom in a past tense context.

Kein sterblicher Mensch kann das wissen.

No mortal human can know that.

Emphatic use of 'kein sterblicher'.

Die sterblichen Überreste wurden gefunden.

The mortal remains were found.

Formal term for remains.

Das ist die Natur alles Sterblichen.

That is the nature of all that is mortal.

Genitive case with nominalized adjective.

Sie fühlte sich plötzlich sehr sterblich.

She suddenly felt very mortal.

Using 'sich fühlen' with the adjective.

Die Erkenntnis der eigenen Sterblichkeit ist schmerzhaft.

The realization of one's own mortality is painful.

Genitive construction with 'Sterblichkeit'.

In der griechischen Mythologie beneiden Götter die sterblichen Menschen.

In Greek mythology, gods envy mortal humans.

Dative plural adjective ending (-en).

Er wollte kein sterbliches Wort über den Vorfall verlieren.

He didn't want to lose a single word about the incident.

Idiomatic phrase 'kein sterbliches Wort'.

Die Medizin versucht, das sterbliche Leben zu verlängern.

Medicine tries to prolong mortal life.

Attributive use with definite article (neuter).

Er ist ein einfacher Sterblicher ohne Privilegien.

He is a simple mortal without privileges.

Nominalized adjective 'Sterblicher'.

Die sterblichen Hüllen wurden feierlich beigesetzt.

The mortal shells (remains) were solemnly interred.

Synonym for 'Überreste'.

Trotz seiner Macht blieb er ein sterblicher Mann.

Despite his power, he remained a mortal man.

Contrastive sentence with 'trotz'.

Die Sterblichkeitsrate sank dank neuer Medikamente.

The mortality rate dropped thanks to new medications.

Compound noun 'Sterblichkeitsrate'.

Die Poesie thematisiert oft das Spannungsfeld zwischen dem Ewigen und dem Sterblichen.

Poetry often themes the tension between the eternal and the mortal.

Nominalized adjectives in the dative case.

Kein sterbliches Wesen ist vor dem Schicksal gefeit.

No mortal being is immune to fate.

Formal adjective 'gefeit' with 'sterblich'.

Seine Liebe war so groß, dass er sich sterblich in sie verliebte, als wäre er ein Jüngling.

His love was so great that he fell desperately in love with her, as if he were a youth.

Complex sentence with idiom and Konjunktiv II.

Die Philosophen des Existenzialismus betonten die sterbliche Natur des Daseins.

Existentialist philosophers emphasized the mortal nature of existence.

Academic register.

Wir sind nur flüchtige Schatten, sterbliche Gäste auf dieser Erde.

We are only fleeting shadows, mortal guests on this earth.

Poetic metaphors.

Die sterblichen Überreste des Dichters wurden erst Jahre später identifiziert.

The mortal remains of the poet were only identified years later.

Passive voice with formal vocabulary.

In seinem Werk wird die Zerbrechlichkeit alles Sterblichen deutlich.

In his work, the fragility of everything mortal becomes clear.

Genitive of a nominalized adjective.

Er betrachtete die Welt mit dem Blick eines Sterblichen, der weiß, dass seine Zeit begrenzt ist.

He viewed the world with the gaze of a mortal who knows his time is limited.

Relative clause modifying a nominalized adjective.

Die ontologische Differenz zwischen dem Göttlichen und dem Sterblichen ist ein zentrales Motiv.

The ontological difference between the divine and the mortal is a central motif.

Highly academic terminology.

Man darf kein sterbliches Wort über die geheimen Staatsangelegenheiten verlieren.

One must not lose a single word about secret state affairs.

Idiom in a formal, restrictive context.

Das Bewusstsein, sterblich zu sein, unterscheidet den Menschen vom Tier.

The consciousness of being mortal distinguishes humans from animals.

Infinitive construction as a noun modifier.

Die sterbliche Hülle ist nur das Gefäß für den unsterblichen Geist.

The mortal shell is only the vessel for the immortal spirit.

Metaphorical use in a spiritual context.

In der Unausweichlichkeit des Todes offenbart sich die wahre Würde des Sterblichen.

In the inevitability of death, the true dignity of the mortal is revealed.

Reflexive verb with abstract genitive.

Seine Argumentation war hinfällig, da sie die sterbliche Komponente des Problems ignorierte.

His argumentation was invalid because it ignored the mortal component of the problem.

Using 'sterblich' in a non-traditional, metaphorical way.

Die Tragik des Helden liegt in seinem sterblichen Streben nach Unendlichkeit.

The tragedy of the hero lies in his mortal striving for infinity.

Complex noun phrase 'sterbliches Streben'.

Die sterblichen Überreste wurden exhumiert, um die Todesursache zu klären.

The mortal remains were exhumed to clarify the cause of death.

Technical/Legal jargon.

よく使う組み合わせ

sterblich verliebt

sterbliche Überreste

ein einfacher Sterblicher

sterbliche Hülle

kein sterbliches Wort

hochgradig sterblich

sterblich sein

unser sterbliches Dasein

sterbliches Wesen

die Sterblichkeit senken

よく使うフレーズ

Wir sind alle sterblich.

— A reminder of human finitude.

Vergiss nicht: Wir sind alle sterblich.

Ein gewöhnlicher Sterblicher.

— An ordinary person without special powers.

Was kann ein gewöhnlicher Sterblicher schon tun?

Sterblich wie wir alle.

— Emphasizing that even famous people die.

Der König ist sterblich wie wir alle.

Bis ins sterbliche Alter.

— Until an old age (less common).

Er blieb bis ins sterbliche Alter aktiv.

Das sterbliche Teil des Menschen.

— The body (as opposed to the soul).

Das sterbliche Teil wird zu Staub.

Kein sterbliches Auge.

— No human eye (has seen...).

Kein sterbliches Auge hat diesen Ort je gesehen.

Unter den Sterblichen.

— Among humans.

Er weilte lange unter den Sterblichen.

Sterblichkeit ist gewiss.

— Death is certain.

Die Sterblichkeit ist die einzige Gewissheit.

Ein sterbliches Los.

— A mortal fate.

Das ist das sterbliche Los der Menschheit.

Sterblichkeit erfahren.

— To experience mortality (e.g., through loss).

Er musste früh seine Sterblichkeit erfahren.

よく混同される語

sterblich vs tödlich

Tödlich means deadly (causes death), sterblich means mortal (can die).

sterblich vs sterbend

Sterbend is the act of dying right now; sterblich is the general state.

sterblich vs tot

Tot means dead (already happened); sterblich is a potential/nature.

慣用句と表現

"sterblich verliebt sein"

— To be incredibly, desperately in love.

Romeo war sterblich in Julia verliebt.

neutral/informal

"kein sterbliches Wort sagen"

— To keep a secret absolutely.

Ich werde kein sterbliches Wort darüber sagen.

neutral

"kein sterbliches Wort verlieren"

— Same as above, often used with 'verlieren'.

Er verlor kein sterbliches Wort über seine Pläne.

neutral

"ein bloßer Sterblicher sein"

— To be just a human being, often used in contrast to gods or celebrities.

Für sie war er nur ein bloßer Sterblicher.

neutral/ironic

"die sterbliche Hülle ablegen"

— A poetic way to say 'to die'.

Nach langem Leiden legte er seine sterbliche Hülle ab.

literary

"unter die Sterblichen gehen"

— To mingle with ordinary people (often said of the powerful).

Heute geht der Chef unter die Sterblichen in die Kantine.

ironic

"kein sterbliches Wesen"

— Nobody at all (emphatic).

Kein sterbliches Wesen kann mir jetzt helfen.

dramatic

"ins sterbliche Fleisch schneiden"

— To affect someone deeply or physically (rare).

Die Worte schnitten ihm ins sterbliche Fleisch.

literary

"das sterbliche Kleid"

— The human body.

Die Seele tauscht das sterbliche Kleid.

archaic/religious

"sterblich krank sein"

— To be terminally ill (less common than 'todkrank').

Er ist sterblich krank und hat keine Hoffnung mehr.

formal

間違えやすい

sterblich vs tödlich

Both relate to death.

Tödlich is active (lethal), sterblich is passive (subject to death).

Ein tödlicher Unfall, aber ein sterblicher Mensch.

sterblich vs sterbend

Same root verb.

Sterbend is a participle (dying), sterblich is an adjective (mortal).

Der sterbende Patient ist sterblich.

sterblich vs todkrank

Both describe a state near death.

Todkrank means terminally ill; sterblich is everyone's condition.

Er ist todkrank, aber wir alle sind sterblich.

sterblich vs vergänglich

Similar philosophical meaning.

Vergänglich is for things/time; sterblich is for living beings.

Blumen sind vergänglich, Tiere sind sterblich.

sterblich vs letal

Technical synonym for tödlich.

Letal is medical/scientific; sterblich is general/philosophical.

Eine letale Dosis Gift.

文型パターン

X ist sterblich.

Der Mensch ist sterblich.

Ich bin sterblich verliebt in X.

Ich bin sterblich verliebt in dich.

Kein sterblicher X kann Y.

Kein sterblicher Mensch kann das tun.

Die sterblichen Überreste von X.

Die sterblichen Überreste des Dichters.

Das Wesen alles Sterblichen.

Das Wesen alles Sterblichen ist der Wandel.

In Anbetracht unserer Sterblichkeit...

In Anbetracht unserer Sterblichkeit sollten wir weise handeln.

Die Sterblichkeitsrate von X ist Y.

Die Sterblichkeitsrate von Vögeln ist gestiegen.

Ein gewöhnlicher Sterblicher wie X.

Ein gewöhnlicher Sterblicher wie ich versteht das nicht.

語族

名詞

die Sterblichkeit

der Sterbliche

das Sterben

der Tod

動詞

sterben

absterben

versterben

aussterben

形容詞

sterblich

unsterblich

sterbenswörtchen (in idioms)

todkrank

使い方

frequency

Common in literature, specific idioms, and scientific/demographic contexts.

よくある間違い

Diese Krankheit ist sterblich. → Diese Krankheit ist tödlich.
Diseases cause death (tödlich), they are not subject to death (sterblich).
Ich bin sterblich hungrig. → Ich habe Riesenhunger / Ich verhungere.
While 'starve' and 'sterben' are related, 'sterblich' is not used for hunger in German.
Der sterblich Mann. → Der sterbliche Mann.
Adjectives before a noun must have the correct ending.
Kein sterbliches Wort hören. → Kein sterbliches Wort sagen.
The idiom is specifically used with 'sagen' or 'verlieren' (to say/utter).
Ein Sterbliche. → Ein Sterblicher.
Nominalized masculine adjectives with 'ein' take the '-er' ending.

ヒント

Adjective Endings

Always check the gender and case of the noun following 'sterblich'. For example: 'die sterblichen Überreste' (plural, nominative/accusative).

Idiom Usage

Use 'sterblich verliebt' to sound more native when talking about romance. It's a high-frequency B2-level phrase.

False Friend Alert

Don't confuse 'sterblich' with the English 'starving'. While they share a root, 'sterblich' only means mortal in modern German.

Formal Contexts

Use 'sterbliche Überreste' instead of 'Leiche' (corpse) in formal writing to show respect and a higher vocabulary level.

The 'ST' Sound

Remember that 'st' at the beginning of German words is pronounced 'sht'. Practice saying 'sterblich' like 'sh-terb-lich'.

Philosophical Tone

Use 'sterblich' to elevate your writing when discussing human nature or the limits of power.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Rate' after 'Sterblichkeit', it's almost always a discussion about statistics or health.

Root Word

If you forget the meaning, look at the root 'sterb-'. It's the same as 'sterben' (to die), so it must relate to mortality.

Noun Use

Calling someone 'ein Sterblicher' can sound slightly arrogant or very literary. Use it carefully in conversation.

Negation

The prefix 'un-' is the most common way to negate 'sterblich'. 'Unsterblich' is a very important word in fantasy and philosophy.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'STERB-lich' as 'ST-ERB-lich'. The 'ERB' sounds like 'herb'. Imagine a mortal herb that withers and dies.

視覚的連想

Imagine an hourglass where the sand represents the 'sterblich' life of a human running out.

Word Web

sterben Tod Mensch Körper unsterblich verliebt Überreste Rate

チャレンジ

Try to use 'sterblich verliebt' in a sentence about your favorite food or hobby to remember the idiomatic usage.

語源

From the Middle High German 'sterblich' and Old High German 'sterbilīh'. It is directly related to the verb 'sterben'.

元の意味： Subject to death or causing death (though the latter meaning is now 'tödlich').

Germanic, related to English 'starve' (which originally meant 'to die').

文化的な背景

Be careful when using 'sterblich' in medical contexts; 'lebensbedrohlich' (life-threatening) is often more precise for current danger.

English speakers often use 'mortal' in a similar way, but 'sterblich verliebt' is much more common in German than 'mortally in love' is in English.

Goethe's 'Faust' (discussions on mortality) Schiller's poems The 'Memento Mori' art movement in Germany

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Philosophy

Die Natur des Sterblichen
Das Bewusstsein der Sterblichkeit
Endlichkeit und Tod
Der sterbliche Mensch

Romance

Sterblich verliebt sein
Bis in den Tod
Ewige Liebe
Mein sterbliches Herz

Medicine/Demographics

Die Sterblichkeitsrate
Erhöhte Sterblichkeit
Säuglingssterblichkeit
Sterblichkeit senken

Fantasy/Mythology

Ein einfacher Sterblicher
Das Los der Sterblichen
Götter und Sterbliche
Unsterblichkeit erlangen

Secrets

Kein sterbliches Wort
Ein Geheimnis bewahren
Niemandem sagen
Stillschweigen bewahren

会話のきっかけ

"Glaubst du, dass Menschen eines Tages unsterblich sein werden?"

"Warst du schon einmal sterblich verliebt?"

"Was bedeutet es für dich, sterblich zu sein?"

"Wie gehen verschiedene Kulturen mit der Sterblichkeit um?"

"Sollten wir versuchen, die Sterblichkeitsrate immer weiter zu senken?"

日記のテーマ

Schreibe über einen Moment, in dem du dich sehr sterblich gefühlt hast.

Was würdest du tun, wenn du wüsstest, dass du nicht sterblich wärst?

Beschreibe jemanden, in den du sterblich verliebt warst.

Reflektiere über den Satz: 'Alles Irdische ist sterblich.'

Wie beeinflusst die Sterblichkeit unsere täglichen Entscheidungen?

よくある質問

10 問

'Sterblich' means mortal (capable of dying), while 'tödlich' means deadly or lethal (causing death). You are sterblich, but a poison is tödlich. Mixing them up is a common mistake for learners.

No, 'sterblich' is generally reserved for living beings (humans, animals, plants). For objects or abstract concepts like beauty or fame, use 'vergänglich' (transient) or 'endlich' (finite).

Yes, it is a very common idiom in German. It means to be deeply or desperately in love. It is used in both literature and everyday casual conversation as an intensifier.

It follows adjective declension rules. Nominative: der Sterbliche / ein Sterblicher. Genitive: des Sterblichen / eines Sterblichen. Dative: dem Sterblichen / einem Sterblichen. Accusative: den Sterblichen / einen Sterblichen.

It is an idiom meaning 'not a single word'. It is usually used when someone is promising to keep a secret. Example: 'Ich werde kein sterbliches Wort verraten' (I won't say a single word).

Not necessarily. While it relates to death, it is often used as a factual or philosophical observation about life. In the context of love, it is actually quite positive and passionate.

It means 'mortality rate'. It is a compound noun used in demographics, medicine, and sociology to describe the number of deaths in a specific population over time.

Yes, in the idiom 'sterblich verliebt', it functions as an adverb. In this case, it does not take any adjective endings.

The opposite is 'unsterblich' (immortal). It is used for gods, legends, or the idea of the soul living forever.

It comes from the Old High German word 'sterbilīh', which is derived from 'sterben' (to die). It shares a root with the English word 'starve'.

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