die Witwe, -n
widow
Eine Frau, deren Ehepartner gestorben ist.
The German word "Witwe" is a feminine noun meaning "widow" — a woman whose spouse has died.
It is not a compound, so there are no smaller words within it to break down.
Similar words:
- "Verwittwet" (adjective) – widowed
- "Witwer" (masculine noun) – widower (male equivalent)
- "Alleinerziehende/r" – single parent (related concept but not the same)
Difference:
"Witwe" specifically denotes a woman who has lost her spouse and has not remarried, whereas "Verwittwet" is the adjective describing someone who is widowed, and "Witwer" refers to a man in the same situation. "Alleinerziehende/r" refers to single parenting but does not specify the reason for single status.
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Examples
Die Witwe trauert um ihren Ehemann.noun
The widow is mourning her husband.
Die Witwe besucht jeden Sonntag die Kirche.noun
The widow visits the church every Sunday.
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