Leichnam

German

Etymology

From Middle High German līchname, from Old High German līhhinhamo, alternative form of līhhamo, from Proto-Germanic *līkahamô. Cognate with Dutch lichaam, Old English līchama (English likam (“corpse”)).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈlaɪ̯çˌnaːm/, /ˈlaɪ̯ç.nam/

• Audio

  (file)

Noun

Leichnam m (genitive Leichnams, plural Leichname)

1. corpse (dead human body)

Usage notes

• Leichnam and Leiche are widely interchangeable. However, Leichnam has a more respectful and venerating tone. It tends to be used especially in the context of funerals and graves, while Leiche tends to be used in the context of crime, war, medicine, etc.

Synonyms

• Leiche f

Further reading

• “Leichnam” in Duden online