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Hinterbliebene

surviving relative

noun HIN-ter-blee-be-ne Rare
People & Society Family

Origin: from hinterbleiben 'to remain behind'

Also means

the bereaved

Usage Note

Hinterbliebene denotes the surviving family members left behind after a death, common in obituaries and pension law. It is a nominalized adjective, usually plural die Hinterbliebenen, with endings shifting after articles. Singular der/die Hinterbliebene also occurs.

Examples

"Die Hinterbliebenen erhalten eine kleine Rente."

Natural Translation

The surviving relatives receive a small pension.

Literal Translation

The surviving-relatives receive a small pension.

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