Usage Note
töten is the general verb 'to kill', built on tot ('dead'). For unlawful killing of a person, the legal terms ermorden (murder) and umbringen (colloquial 'to do in') are more specific. The reflexive sich töten is a euphemism better avoided in favour of help.
Examples
"Der Sturm tötete viele Tiere."
Natural Translation
The storm killed many animals.
Literal Translation
The storm killed many animals.
Related Words
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