der  Selbstmord

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/zɛlpstˈmɔʁt/

🤔 What does "Selbstmord" mean?

Der Selbstmord is the German word for the intentional ending of one's own life. It is a compound noun formed from selbst (self) and Mord (murder).

🚨 Important Note: The term "Selbstmord" is increasingly viewed critically and avoided in many contexts (medical, psychological, media). The component "Mord" (murder) implies a criminal act or sin and can be perceived as stigmatizing. The more neutral and preferred term today is der Suizid or die Selbsttötung (self-killing).

🧐 Grammar of 'der Selbstmord' in Detail

The word "Selbstmord" is a masculine noun.

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Nachricht über den Selbstmord des bekannten Künstlers schockierte die Öffentlichkeit. (The news about the well-known artist's suicide shocked the public. Note: In a news context today, 'Suizid' would be preferred.)
• Die Motive für einen Selbstmord sind oft komplex. (The motives for a suicide are often complex.)
• Statistiken über Selbstmorde werden sorgfältig erfasst. (Statistics about suicides are carefully recorded. Here the plural is correct.)

🗣️ Usage and Context

The term der Selbstmord is increasingly being replaced in public and professional language (e.g., medicine, psychology, journalism) by the term der Suizid. The reason for this is the negative connotation of "Mord" (murder), which suggests a criminal offense and can stigmatize those affected and their bereaved families.

• Historical Context: "Selbstmord" was the more common term in the past.
• Modern Context: "Suizid" is considered more neutral and value-free. It comes from the Latin sui (of oneself) and caedere (to kill).
• Colloquial Use: In everyday language, "Selbstmord" is still sometimes used, often out of habit or unawareness of the issue.
• ⚠️ Recommendation: It is advisable, especially in sensitive conversations or written statements, to prefer the term "Suizid" or "Selbsttötung" to show respect and sensitivity.

💡 Mnemonics

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Mord" (the murder). Since "Mord" is masculine (der), "der Selbstmord" is also masculine. But remember the word itself is problematic!

Meaning Mnemonic / Warning: "Selbst" (self) + "Mord" (murder) = murdering oneself. This composition makes the meaning clear, but also its problematic nature: it's not murder in the legal sense. Remember: S for Sensitive, S for preferring Suizid!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🎭 Sensitive Topic: No Jokes

The topic of suicide is very serious and sensitive. Jokes about it are inappropriate and can be hurtful. Respect and compassion for those affected and their bereaved families are paramount.

Instead of a joke, here is important information: If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. In Germany, for example, the Telefonseelsorge (0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222). In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. In the UK, Samaritans can be called on 116 123. Please seek out local resources if you need support.

📜 Language in Flux: From Selbstmord to Suizid

Ein Wort, schwer und alt,
(A word, heavy and old,)
Selbstmord, in Schatten gehüllt, kalt.
(Selbstmord, shrouded in shadow, cold.)
Es klingt nach Schuld, nach Gericht,
(It sounds of guilt, of judgment,)
Verkennt die Not, das fehlende Licht.
(Ignores the distress, the missing light.)

Die Sprache wandelt sich, sucht Klarheit,
(Language changes, seeks clarity,)
Nennt es Suizid, mit mehr Bedachtheit.
(Calls it Suizid, with more thoughtfulness.)
Ein Ausdruck neutral, ohne den Schein
(A neutral expression, without the guise)
Von Urteil, von Sünde, von Alleinsein.
(Of judgment, of sin, of being alone.)

Es geht um Schmerz, um tiefes Leid,
(It's about pain, about deep suffering,)
Nicht um Verbrechen in Dunkelheit.
(Not about crimes in darkness.)
Drum wähle Worte mit Bedacht,
(Therefore, choose words with care,)
Die Empathie und Hilfe entfacht.
(That spark empathy and help.)

🧩 A Linguistic Riddle

Ich bin ein Wort, zusammengesetzt und klar,
(I am a word, compound and clear,)
Beschreibe eine Tat, furchtbar und wahr.
(Describing an act, terrible and true.)
Mein zweiter Teil klingt wie ein Verbrechen,
(My second part sounds like a crime,)
Drum wird empfohlen, von mir nicht mehr zu sprechen.
(So it's recommended not to speak of me anymore.)

Man sagt stattdessen 'Suizid' zu mir heute,
(Instead, they call me 'Suizid' today,)
Aus Respekt vor den betroffenen Leute'.
(Out of respect for the people affected.)

Welches Wort bin ich? (What word am I?) (Answer: der Selbstmord)

🌐 Further Information about 'Selbstmord'

Word Composition:

The word is composed of:

• Selbst: Pronoun/adverb meaning 'self'.
• Mord: Noun meaning 'murder'.

This composition is the main reason for the criticism of the term, as it places the act close to a criminal act.

Historical and Cultural Aspects:

The perception of suicide has varied greatly throughout history and across cultures. It ranged from being considered an honorable act in certain situations (e.g., in ancient Rome or Japan) to being condemned as a sin in the Christian Middle Ages. The modern perspective, influenced by psychology and medicine, often views suicidality as a symptom or consequence of psychological suffering or illness.