überleben
Translation
to survive, to outlive
Examples
Er hat den Unfall überlebt.
He survived the accident.
Sie überlebte ihren Mann um zehn Jahre.
She outlived her husband by ten years.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to survive sth. He survived the accident.
((j-n)) to outlive sb. She outlived her husband.
Similar Words
Synonyms: durchkommen, am Leben bleiben; Antonyms: sterben, umkommen
Etymology
From 'über' (over, beyond) + 'leben' (to live). Literally 'to live beyond' a certain point or event.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'living over' a disaster or 'living beyond' another person's lifespan.