German word

Witwe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɪtvə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounwidow

Example

Die Witwe lebt allein in einem kleinen Haus.

The widow lives alone in a small house.

Illustration for Witwe (widow)

More examples

Die einsame Witwe spricht selten mit den Nachbarn.

The lonely widow rarely speaks with the neighbors.

Core concept

A surviving female spouse stands alone in the social and practical role once shared with her deceased partner.

Common phrases

  • einsame Witwe

    lonely widow

  • Witwe mit Kind

    widow with a child

  • ältere Witwe

    older widow

Similar words

Witwer: A man whose spouse has died.
Verwitwete: A person whose spouse has died.
Geschiedene: A person whose marriage ended through divorce.
Ledige: A person who has never been married.

Definition in German

Eine Frau, deren Ehepartner nicht mehr lebt.

Word origin

The German noun Witwe is an inherited Germanic word, related to Old High German wituwa and to English widow.

Usage tips

  • The plural is Witwen without an umlaut, as in Die Witwen treffen sich regelmäßig.

Opposites

Related words

  • verwitwetwidowedadjective
  • Witwenrentewidow's pensionnoun

Word lists with this word