ums Leben
Translation
to death, one's life (in context of losing it)
Examples
Bei dem Unfall kam er ums Leben.
He died in the accident.
Der Täter brachte ihn ums Leben.
The perpetrator killed him.
Grammar Patterns
ums Leben kommen to die, to be killed (e.g. in an accident) Many people died in the earthquake.
((j-n)) ums Leben bringen to kill (sb.) He killed her out of jealousy.
Similar Words
sterben (to die), getötet werden (to be killed)
Etymology
Short for "um das Leben" (around the life), implying the loss of it.
Memory Tips
Associate 'ums Leben kommen' with 'coming to the end of one's life' (dying) and 'ums Leben bringen' with 'bringing someone to the end of their life' (killing).