noun
death, passing
B1
Tod: masculine noun meaning death or passing. Article der; genitive des Todes. Plural form 'Tode' exists but is literary/rare—Tod is usually uncountable. Use in expressions like 'der Tod' or 'vor dem Tod'. Irregularities: older plural and genitive forms; common in idioms and formal contexts.
Examples
Sein plötzlicher Tod kam für alle überraschend.
His sudden passing surprised everyone.
Der Tod eines geliebten Menschen ist ein schmerzlicher Verlust.
The death of a loved one is a painful loss.
Die Gemeinde organisierte eine Gedenkfeier, nachdem der Tod des Bürgermeisters bestätigt wurde.
The community organized a memorial service after the mayor's death was confirmed.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a black silhouette representing the concept of death.
sounds like English 'told' without the 'l' — short, sharp word for an ending
masculine: der Tod — imagine a 'der' cloak like the Grim Reaper's cloak.
Notes
Tod is often used for the general concept of death; plural forms (Tode) are less common and sound formal or poetic.