adjective
divorced, separated
B1
Means 'divorced' or 'separated'. It's the participle of scheiden and functions as an adjective, usually used predicatively (Er ist geschieden) to describe marital status. Not gradable. Agreement follows normal adjective declension. Can also be passive participle form from the verb 'scheiden'.
Examples
Die beiden führten ein getrenntes Leben, sie waren praktisch geschieden.
The two led separate lives; they were practically separated.
Er ist seit fünf Jahren geschieden.
He has been divorced for five years.
Der Mann war geschieden, obwohl er weiterhin freundlichen Kontakt zu den ehemaligen Schwiegereltern pflegte.
The man was divorced, although he continued to maintain friendly contact with his former in-laws.
Details
Mnemonics
picture two chairs with a clear line between them labeled 'geschieden' to show separated/divorced
sounds like 'gas she den' — imagine 'she' leaving the 'den' (separated)
not applicable (adjective)
Notes
Derived from the verb 'scheiden' (to part, to divorce). As a participial adjective it describes a state (divorced) and is usually not gradable.